You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

Fiji’s Kaiviti Silktails will write a piece of history when they face the One New Zealand Warriors in their round 18 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow (12.00pm kick-off).

The fledgling side will be playing in New Zealand for the first time and will do so on a day which will have another first on a league of nations occasion.

Because while the Fijians will be having their first outing here, the visiting United States under-18 national side – the Young Hawks – will also be in attendance to watch the match.

The Americans are making history as the first official United States team to tour New Zealand, a venture which came about through the One New Zealand Warriors’ trip to Las Vegas for their NRL season-opening clash against the Raiders in March.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Warriors is number 21 Joseph Ratcliffe
    Fullback for Silktails is number 1 Iowani Mainalovo
  • Winger for Warriors is number 5 Brandon Norris
    Winger for Silktails is number 2 Niko Williams
  • Centre for Warriors is number 1 Caelys-Paul Putoko
    Centre for Silktails is number 3 Mikaele Senibua
  • Centre for Warriors is number 4 Nganaiaiafu Vake
    Centre for Silktails is number 4 Asalusi Nagicu
  • Winger for Warriors is number 20 Tallan Egan
    Winger for Silktails is number 5 Tevita Wanisi
  • Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Maui Winitana-Patelesio
    Five-Eighth for Silktails is number 6 Bale Vetaukula
  • Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Jack Thompson
    Halfback for Silktails is number 7 Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei

Forwards

  • Prop for Warriors is number 8 Harry Durbin
    Prop for Silktails is number 8 George Satakala
  • Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Jeriko Filipi-Talisau
    Hooker for Silktails is number 9 Seru Kalounivalu
  • Prop for Warriors is number 10 Rodney Tuipulotu Vea
    Prop for Silktails is number 10 Gabriel Tunimakubu
  • 2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Kite
    2nd Row for Silktails is number 11 Tevita Mataiwai
  • 2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Alvin Chong Nee
    2nd Row for Silktails is number 12 Isoa Lakepa
  • Lock for Warriors is number 13 Paea Sikuvea
    Lock for Silktails is number 13 Alipate Qoro

Interchange

  • Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Etuate Fukofuka
    Interchange for Silktails is number 14 Sulio Loka
  • Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Emosi Ravosai
    Interchange for Silktails is number 15 Adrea Ramabuke
  • Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Tepatasi Laumalili
    Interchange for Silktails is number 16 Sairusi Laqere
  • Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Presley Seumanu Tigafua
    Interchange for Silktails is number 17 Vilisasari Bainivalu

Reserves

  • Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Kahu Capper
    Replacement for Silktails is number 18 Vilimone Raivasi

Last updated:

The Young Hawks are here on a tour focused on development and education with three matches against local teams while they also visited the Warriors’ headquarters this week.

Not since 1953 has an American team as such visited New Zealand; on that occasion it was an All Stars venture organised by former American football star and navy serviceman Mike Dimitro involving 26 matches in Australia and New Zealand.

Tomorrow the young Americans will take in the best of the Warriors’ under-21 players facing a Silktails side which started the season promisingly but has been without a win since mid-April.

Last year the One New Zealand Warriors met the Silktails twice with both matches played in Lautoka due to visa issues preventing the Fijian side entering New Zealand. The Warriors had to battle excessive heat before prevailing 16-10 and 16-4.

When the two sides met in round five in Lautoka in April, the Silktails levelled up at 18-18 after 65 minutes and had the sniff of an upset before the Warriors rallied with two late tries to win 28-18.

After edging past the Sea Eagles 26-22 last week, the Warriors need a follow-up victory to maintain contact with the top eight.

Going into the round they are among four teams on 16 points but lie 10th on points for and against differential behind the Dragons (seventh), Wests Tigers (eighth) and the Roosters (ninth).