Aucklanders set for Emerging Nations World Championship

October 1, 2018

Auckland will be well represented across several international teams when the Emerging Nations World Championships kick off this week in Sydney.

Players from Auckland Rugby League senior competitions will take the field for Hong Kong and Niue, while local players also make up the majority of the New Zealand Physical Disability squad, who will play Australia in a three-match series at the tournament.

Among the Aucklanders included in Niue’s squad is current Auckland representative Jamel Hunt, Glenora Bears prop Kurt Bernard, Howick back Azaiah Ikitule and Marist duo Cyruss Payne and Christian Ulukita.

Zebastian Luisi, Alfred Smalley and Mike Williams - all Auckland juniors who have since moved overseas to play - are also in the Niue squad.

In the Hong Kong side is Richmond’s Mike Tsang - who was raised in a Hong Kong orphanage for the first five years of his life before being adopted - with the winger the only New Zealand-based player selected by the Thunder.

The New Zealand Physical Disability team has 10 Auckland players, including Otara Scorpions life member Jim Doolan.

Niue
Kurt Benard (Glenora)
Azaiah Ikitule (Howick)
Cyruss Payne (Marist)
Christian Ulukita (Marist)
Mike Williams (former Auckland player)
Zebastian Luisi (former Auckland player/coach)
Alfred Smalley (former Auckland player)

Hong Kong
Mike Tsang (Richmond)

New Zealand Physical Disability team
Michael Kulene (Auckland)
Uturei Toparea (Auckland)
Jason Gilmour (Auckland)
Jim Doolan (Auckland)
Ben Tuimaseve (Auckland)
Matthew Williams (Auckland)
Bruce Cross (Auckland)
Junior Leaupepe (Auckland)
Freeman Hickey (Auckland)
Josh Hyde (Auckland)

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