Newsletter -Edition 14

Inside this issue

* This weeks draws

* Tickets to Warriors

* Orcas home game schedule

* NRL debut

* Important dates

* Masters draw for this weekend

* State of Origin Game 3 From the GM Welcome to another edition of Pass It On. These boys were selected from last year’s 15s & 17s youth tournaments and In this week’s issue we congratulate the latest player to crack the big will spend 4 days training and learning about life outside of football as they time with 19 year old Danny Levi debuting for the . strive for a black jersey What a special time for Danny junior and his family with both mum and dad able 16s Players-Lumafale Lualua, Montelle Leafa-Sione, Nevada Koro, Broadus to make it over to watch the game. Danny senior is still giving plenty to local Melvin, Lupi Luka – Injured-18s Players-Ma-naima Falani, Luke Cummings, by way of the Randwick club and also at WRL rep level. Enoch Tautolo, Tristan Davis, Tarquin Alatipi We head into the last 4 rounds of the Premier competition and the fight is on for Finally we have the last round of the Womens Premiership this week with the Mulqueen Shield for the Minor Premiership and the top 4 finals spots. front runners and likely Grand Final opponets Te Aroha and Linton facing off The race for the top spot looks to be between Te Aroha, Randwick and at Onepoto Park along with the Marlins and Petone. Next week will see the Wainuiomata whilst the last spot in the top 4 is set to be a battle between the semi-final eliminations with the winners heading for the Grand Final on Vikings and the Hunters who are drawn to play in the last match of regular Sunday 12th July. season. Get out and support your teams this weekend and good luck to everyone. Te Aroha are sitting on top with a 2 points buffer and should stay there over the next 2 weeks with games against Petone and St George but they finish with Jason Hemson Wainuiomata and Randwick with the latter match possibly deciding the Mulqueen Shield. For Randwick their run home is the Hunters, Petone, Vikings and Te Aroha Masters draw for Saturday whilst Wainuiomata face Upper Hutt, Vikings, Te Aroha and St George. The youthful Vikings look to have the hardest run home with St George, Masters Sat 20th June Cannons Wainuiomata, Randwick and University coming up. Creek The University Hunters however will not be able to look too far ahead as the St George v Wainuiomata 1pm Vikings are capable of beating those above them and the Upper Hutt match is Whiti Te Ra v Vikings 2pm one that could be crucial in the final mix with the Tigers continual improvement. Marlins 38ers v Petone 2pm With the prize of a Grand Final at Westpac Stadium the competition is set to fire up in the last rounds. While we congratulate Danny Levi on his NRL debut I thought it timely to have a look at the NRL team lists for this round just to remind us of the local talent on display in the world’s best rugby league competition. Broncos- ; Knights- Joe Tapine, Danny Levi; Warriors- , , Charlie Gubb; Raiders- ; Sharks- Sam Tagatese; Titans- Matt Robinson; Tigers- Ava Seumanufagai; Panthers- ; Storm- Nelson Asofa-Solomona. When you also look at the reserve grade sides and injury lists we have Raiders- Jeremy Hawkins; Panthers- Tupou Sopoaga, Sione Katoa; Eels- Bureta Faraimo; Manly Uiti Baker; Dogs- Renouf To’omaga. I think it is fair to say we should be very proud of all these boys and their achievements. And as we reflect on those boys our next crop of hopefuls will be heading to Rotorua in July for the NZRL 16s & 18s camp. After match function to be held at the Porirua Bowling club at Hampshire St Cannons Creek Senior results last week This weeks senior draws

Premiers Sat 20th June Premiers Sat 27th June 2.30pm unless stated Field Te Aroha 34 Porirua 14 St George v Porirua Cannons Creek 1 Wainuiomata 74 Petone 4 Petone v Te Aroha McEwan Park 1 Randwick 44 Upper Hutt 16 Randwick v University Naenae Park 1 Unibersity 34 St George 10 Upper Hutt v Wainuiomata Whakatiki Street 1 Reserves Sat 20th June Reserves Sat 27th June 1pm Te Aroha 20 Porirua 18 St George v Porirua Cannons Creek 1 Randwick 42 Upper Hutt 18 Randwick v Trentham Naenae park 1 University 24 St George 22 University v Titahi Bay Kelburn Park 2.30pm 1 Trentham 60 Wainuiomata 22 Upper Hutt v Wainuiomata Whakatiki Street 1 Titahi Bay BYE Te Aroha BYE

Senior 1st Sun 27th June 1pm Field Senior 1st Sat 20th June University v Porirua Phoenix Kelburn Park Wainui Indigenous 46 Kapiti Bears 20 Randwick v Kapiti Naenae park 2 Porirua Phoenix 28 Wainui Fitzroy 24 Wainui Indigenous v Wainui Fitzroy Wise Park 2 University 30 Randwick 20

Womens Sun 27th June Field Points Table after round 10 Linton v Te Aroha 1pm Onepoto Park 1 Te Aroha Eels 18 Titahi Bay v Petone 2.30pm Onepoto 1 Randwick Kingfishers 16 Wainuiomata Lions 15 Porirua Vikings 12 University Hunters 10 St George Dragons 5 Upper Hutt Tigers 4 Petone Panthers 0

Photos kindly supplied by Daryl New

Important dates to remember- Women’s Grand Final Sun 12th July 1pm Wise Park- Junior Grand Final Sun 2nd August Whakatiki Street- Premier Grand Final Sat 8th August Westpac Stadium- Reserves/Senior 1st Grand Finals Sat 15th Aug Hutt Recreation Ground Junior draw

6’s Sat 27th June Field Wainuiomata v Kapiti 9.45am McEwan Mini 1A Porirua v Titahi Bay 9.45am BWT Mini 1A Te Aroha BYE 7’s Sat 27th June Field University v Te Aroha 9.45am Martin Luckie 2 Whiti Te Ra v Wainui Lion Kings 10am Otaki domain 2c St George v Wainui Green 9.45am Cannons Crk 2A Titahi Bay v Randwick 9.45am BWT Mini 1C Petone BYE

8’s Sat 27th June Field Whiti Te Ra v Wainui Lions 10am Otaki Domain 2A Petone v Kapiti 9.45am McEwan Park Mini 2A Porirua v Titahi Bay 9.45am BWT Mini 1B St George v Upper Hutt 9.45am Cannons Creek Mini 2C Photo kindly supplied by Daryl New 9’s Sat 27th June Field St George v Upper Hutt 9.45am Cannons Creek Mini 2B 12’s Sun 28th June Field Whiti Te Ra v Wainui 10am Otaki Domain 2B St George v University 1.30pm Cannons Creek 2 Randwick v Petone 9.45am McEwan Mini 1B Randwick v Whiti Te Ra 12pm Te Whiti Park 2 University BYE Te Aroha v Kapiti 12pm Te Whiti Park 1 10’s Sat 27th June Field 14s Sun 28thJune Field Porirua v Wainui 10.30am BWT St George 13’s v Randwick 12pm Cannons Creek 2 Whiti Te Ra v Te Aroha 10am Otaki Domain 1 St George v Porirua 12pm Cannons Creek 1 Kapiti v Wainuiomata 12pm Matthews Park 1 Randwick v Kapiti White 10.30am McEwan 2 15’s Sun 28thJune St George v Kapiti Blue 10.30am Cannons Cr 2 University v Randwick 12pm Martin Luckie 2 11’s Sat 27th June Field St George BYE University v Randwick Blue 10.30am Martin Luckie 2 17’s Sun 28th June Randwick Gold v Wainui Green 10.30am McEwan 1 Wainuiomata v Porirua Green 1pm Wise Park 1 Porirua v St George Red 9.45am Ascot Park 1 St George v Porirua Maroon 1pm Cannons Creek 1 St George White v Wainui Black 10.30am Ascot Park 1 Randwick BYE

Visit us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington-Rugby-League/149807975039915 Levi makes his NRL debut

“It’s a huge honour. There’s a lot of history in Danny Levi is getting ready for one of the the Club, so to be able to play for the top side, proudest moments of his life. it’s an amazing achievement, especially for At 19-years of age he’ll become the 260th my family back home who have helped me Newcastle Knight to make his debut for the along the way,” he added. Club when he runs out at Hunter Stadium to “I get to repay it back to them. I think it’s face the Cronulla Sharks. everyone’s goal to play NRL when you’re “I’m very excited. I have a few nerves, which young.” is normal, but I’m just keen as to get out Known for his cool head under pressure, the there,” Levi told Knights TV in the lead up to Junior Kiwi representative intends to ap- the match. proach Sunday’s big occasion like any other New Zealand born Levi joined the Club as a game. starry-eyed 17-year-old half way through the “I’m sure I will be feeling a bit more excited Under 20s season in 2013 and progressed than usual,” he said with a grin. to captain the side to the finals the following “I don’t want to play the game too early and year. want to focus on getting everything right at “This year I have had a couple of games in training first and putting my best foot forward NSW Cup and now I finally get my chance in during the game.” the top grade,” he said. Sunday’s opportunity is also dream come true He completed pre-season training with the for one of his biggest supporters, his father. NRL squad at the start of the season and has “My family is pretty proud, especially dad,” he stepped up to play with the reserve grade said. Knights throughout the year, two experiences “He has always followed me and was a trainer he says have done wonders for his back home when I was young so he’s super development as a player. excited.” “When playing with NSW Cup, you have a few On news of his possible debut match, Levi’s regular first graders up there so it’s a good family were quick to book their trip across the test to be playing against those caliber of Tasman to be there for Sunday’s game. players,” Levi said. “They are pretty keen to have a look around He credits NYC Knights’ trainers and develop- Newcastle and see me play on the big stage,” ment coaches Craig Smith and Mick Reid for he said. contributing to his rise. “It will be special, especially with the crowd. The dynamic hooker has also worked closely They really get behind the team. It will be with Club great and assistant coach Danny good to give back to them.” Buderus to hone his skills in the number nine In the mean time, Levi has channeled his jersey. energy into being the best prepared he can be “I have been working through the pre-season for the Sharks. with Bedsy and he has helped me out heaps,” “We know they have a few big forwards and he said. we know they will be coming through the “I have had a few words with (Rick) Stoney middle,” he said. about attitude-based sort of stuff.” “I guess I have a big job ahead of me as well Levi describes the achievement as a long and have to make sure I do my best to stop held dream and will treasure the opportunity them.” to pull on the red and blue jersey as a first grade Knight. Danny Levi realises his dream-Newcastle Herald FORMER Knights recruitment manager dummy-half was great.’’ year.’’ Levi played 27 minutes either side of Peter Mulholland is renowned for The Wellington-born Randwick Making the most of the chance to work half-time against Cronulla last Sunday spotting talent. Kingfishers junior agreed to join the one on one with former Knights, NSW and made 18 tackles for one miss and Mulholland, who now holds that position Knights in 2014 but instead arrived and Australian hooker and captain Danny one that was ineffective. at the Dragons, was on assignment for midway through 2013 to help cover Buderus, Levi continued to develop and He only made two runs from dummy-half, the Knights in Auckland three years ago injuries, and he has not looked back. improve his game while training with the and went close to scoring on one of to run the rule over several Kiwi kids he When regular hooker Adam Clydsdale NRL and NSW Cup squads. those darts, but concentrated on had been keeping tabs on. was ruled out last week because of a Levi, who is studying Certificate III in providing slick service to his receivers One of those boys became the Knights’ shoulder injury, Knights coach Rick Stone Fitness at the Hunter TAFE Tighes Hill and runners. 260th first-grader last Sunday when he called Levi up to relieve Tyler Randell campus, played a handful of rugby union ‘‘I thought he was pretty solid,’’ Stone made his NRL debut in a 30-28 loss to off the bench. His parents, Danny and games as a schoolboy but said league said. Cronulla at Hunter Stadium. Dhana, flew in from Wellington to watch has always been his passion. ‘‘Any time you jump into the NRL Just 16 at the time, Danny Levi was him realise his dream. ‘‘I played rugby when I was really young scenario for a 19-year-old making his playing for Wellington Orcas against ‘‘Earlier on, it was a goal of mine just to but it was only touch back then and Dad debut, I think he acquitted himself pretty Auckland in a New Zealand under17s play NRL, but this year I really set a goal wanted me to get into tackle, so I got well physically and with his game and was unaware he was on for myself to try to debut this year, so to put into league and I’ve played that ever decision-making process. Mulholland’s short list. achieve that was an amazing feeling,’’ since,’’ he said. ‘‘How he handled himself when he went He thought Mulholland was there to Levi said. ‘‘Back when I was under14s and out there, I was happy for him. Dan’s scout outside back Brody Lam, who was ‘‘My parents were so stoked to be able under16s I played a bit in the halves but been with us for a couple of years of now playing for the opposition but is now his to come over and watch, especially Dad, I made the move back to hooker when and hopefully he’s going to have a big team-mate in Newcastle’s National Youth because he was my trainer and coach I was under17s and I’ve been playing future for us.’’ Cup (under20s) team. back home and he’s been following me there ever since. Stone has retained Levi in the squad to ‘‘I knew who he was,’’ Mulholland said. ever since I’ve been growing up. ‘‘Working with ‘Bedsy’ [Buderus], he’s play Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on ‘‘He came over originally to live with a ‘‘So to be able to play in front of them taught me heaps, especially a lot of Friday night. family in Penrith and I saw him play at on the big stage, that was a really proud attitude-based stuff, so with him by my ‘‘I was just happy to be out there and Glenmore Park. moment. side it’s been a lot easier. hopefully I’ve done enough to hold a spot ‘‘I was at Canterbury at the time, and he ‘‘It wasn’t the result we wanted but we ‘‘I really look up to Bedsy, and my again.’’ couldn’t make Penrith’s Harold Matthews had a pretty young team and we’re still favourite player is so I watch (under16s) side, so from there he went to trying to mould that first-grade team, so him a lot as well.’’ the Roosters to play Harold Matthews. we just want our supporters to stick by ‘‘Then he went home, so I asked [former us and hopefully we can do better this Knights back-rower and Kiwi week.’’ international] David Lomax to keep an Aged 18, Levi captained a Knights NYC eye on him over there. When he started team including Sione Mata’utia, Jake playing first grade over there against Mamo and to the 2014 men, I got interested again and it went minor premiership, was named in the from there. NYC team of the year, and represented ‘‘He’s an old-fashioned hooker who was the in a 15-14 victory over 10 metres ahead of everybody else in his the . thinking. ‘‘I’ve captained a few sides back home,’’ ‘‘He could roll the rucks, he was strong in he said. defence, he played the whole 80 minutes ‘‘I’ve got a bit of a big mouth I guess, but of the game, and his skill level out of I was really happy to captain the side last

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