Two elite youth competitions and training camps have been launched by the Auckland Rugby League with the Vodafone Warriors and the New Zealand Rugby League lending their support.
The ARL is bringing together the Auckland region‘s leading under-16 and under-18 players for the Dean Bell Cup (under-18) and Shaun Johnson Shield (under-16) to be played in March next year.
Players will be invited to register for three development camps as well as a trial to represent four teams – Tamaki ki te Raki (Auckland North), Tamaki ki te Rawhiti (Auckland East), Tamaki ki te Tonga (Auckland South) and Tamaki ki te Uru (Auckland West).
“Together with the NZRL, we’re excited to provide our support to the ARL for this new venture for under-16 and under-18 boys,” said Sky Sport Future Warriors manager Athens Henare.
“This is all about creating and improving pathways for our elite young players who dream of playing in the NRL and playing at international level.”
The 2022 programme will start with development camps based at the Vodafone Warriors’ facilities at Mount Smart Stadium.
Under-16 players will have camps on November 27, December 11 and January 15.
The under-18 camps will be held on November 28, December 12 and January 16.
These will incorporate trials to select squads for the mini preseason competitions run over four weeks on March 12, March 19, March 26 and April 2.
Following the two competitions a Sky Sport Future Warriors under-18 development team as well as an Auckland under-16 squad will be selected to tour Australia during the April school holidays.
Players can register now for the camps:
For inquiries please contact to Auckland Rugby League development officer TJ Ashford (thaine.a@aucklandleague.co.nz).
