READY TO GO: The Mataatua Saddlebacks under-10 team will play in the New Zealand Maori Rugby League tournament in Ngruawahia this weekend. Photo supplied
THE Eastern Bay will have strong representation at the New Zealand Maori Rugby League tournament in Ngaruawahia this weekend.
Nine teams from the Eastern Bay will compete across the grades representing Tuhoe, Mataatua and Putauaki. The tournament includes 52 teams and Mataatua Saddlebacks will have teams in the under-10, under-11, under-12 and under-13 grades. The Putauaki Stags will be represented in the under-11 and under-13 grades.
Mataatua coach Max Stowers said it was going to be a big weekend. Tuhoe coach Toko Waaka is taking under-11 and under-14 boys teams as well as an under-15 girls team.
“It will be a great experience for the players. League doesn’t have the same pathway to representative level as rugby does and these tournaments are great to help with that.
“There are scouts at tournaments like this as well. League provides players with good base skill where they don’t have to worry about rucks and scrums.”