The NSW Koori Under 16s team have gone down 26-16 to an Auckland Development Under 16s team in an entertaining match to end their week-long tour in New Zealand.
After winning the opening game 36-8 against Maori Under 16s on Tuesday the Koori players took a lot of confidence heading into today’s match at the Auckland Rugby League home ground at Cornwall Park in suburban Epsom.
NSW led 12-0 after the first 20 minutes. The 60-minute game was played across three 20-minute quarters.
“But the Auckland boys came out strongly in the second 20 (minutes) to lead 18-12 going into the final quarter,” said NSW Koori team manager, Scott Mieni.
“They continued the momentum they had built to score twice more to our one try.”
NSW points came from two tries to halfback Morgan Carter and one to winger Bailey Pickvance, while No.6 Jaylin Moran kicked two goals. Lock forward Jack Asplett was voted NSW Koori Players' Player.
Conditions were far superior to the wind and rain that plagued Tuesday’s game.
“It was great for Rugby League today with a slight breeze for both sides, running left to right,” Mieni said.
“There was also a good crowd to watch the boys.
“We started the game well but obviously they got the better of us in the second quarter.
“They made a lot of yards up the middle as our marker-defence was well below par. The coach (Jake Foster) spoke about that during the break but the Auckland players continued to steamroll us a bit.
“They were a very physical side with a few bigger bodies in their pack but that’s no excuse.
“It was a really hard-hitting game and pretty electric too, as both sides had speed out wide when the ball got out there.”
The NSW side flies back to Sydney tomorrow (Friday) with conversations already happening around plans for next year’s fixtures.
The 19-member team was selected after the annual Talented Aboriginal Athletic Program (TAAP) camp at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence last December.
In previous years the NSW Koori have played a Queensland Murri side but this time an opportunity arose to play two games in New Zealand.
“It was really good to see the Auckland Development side with great talent and depth,” Mieni said.
“That made this game and Tuesday’s such great tests for us.
“The Koori coaching and support staff are already talking about the possibility of making this an annual event to keep building on the experience and benefits this tour has brought.”
