2012 NZ Residents Team Named

PRESS RELEASE

NZRL Release - 2012 NZ Residents Team Named

Auckland, New Zealand, October 15, 2012 - Fourteen members of the Pirtek National Premiership grand final teams have been named in the 2012 NZ Residents squad. Five Zones are represented, with players from the Counties Manukau Stingrays and Akarana Falcons joined by one each from the Waicoa Bay Stallions and Wellington Orcas and two from the South Island Scorpions.
The Stingrays and the Falcons have been the most consistent performers during this year’s competition, and their players have been rewarded accordingly.
With the NZ Maori expected to field an experienced side, NZ Residents coach Brent Gemmell has looked to ensure he has leadership throughout his side with the selection of players like James Ward (Scorpions), Jon Masaga (Orcas), Steve Waetford and Roman Hifo (Counties Manukau Stingrays). Waetford has been one of the top try scorers during the regular rounds of the Premiership this year, averaging a try a game.

Young Waicoa Bay centre Leigh Bristow is an exciting talent, whose size strength and speed have been a trade mark of his play throughout the Pirtek National Competition.

Another player bound to make his mark is fullback Honeti Tuha, whose support play and explosive speed have had a massive impact on the fortunes of his Counties Manukau side this year. Along with being one of the top try scorers in the competition, Tuha is also a goal kicker, making him a real asset to the team.

NZRL’‘s Dean Watkins said “We’ve been impressed with the standard of play right across the Pirtek National Premiership this year, and it made selecting the team quite a challenge. All the Zones had the opportunity to speak on behalf of their players and a number, especially from Wellington and the South Island, were unlucky not to be selected this year.

“It’s great to see that this step on the pathway is proving a success, with last year’s fullback Peta Hiku going on to play for the Warriors Toyota Cup team this year.

“This year’s team also features a number of young players like Tuha and Esera, both are only 19 years old, and this is a great opportunity for them to press their case for 20's selection next year.”

The NZ Residents will play the NZ Maori Residents on October 28, 2012.

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