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Talent on Show at Counties Manukau Hearts Camp

15s Selectors concentrate, Trevor Gill at rear

The trials for the 15s and 17s for the Counties Manukau National Competition Zone teams were held under lights at the Otahuhu Rugby League club on Tuesday 17 August. Some 34 players at each grade were trialling for 25 positions in their respective squads.

While the 15s played a trial match, watched keenly by the selectors, the 17s were inside with Tony Kemp, NZRL Football Manager hearing about player pathways.

When each had completed their session they swapped places, with the 17s moving on to the field to play and the 15s coming indoors for the player pathway and Drug and Alcohol presentation from Drug Free Sport and to have a meal. Once their trial had finished the 17s also heard the presentations and shared a meal.



Coaches, managers and referees took part in workshops later in the evening as they too prepare for the National Competition.

Trevor Gill, Acting GM for the Counties Manukau Zone was very enthusiastic about the camp, "This was my first camp and I was very impressed. A big thank you to Otahuhu League club for throwing their doors open to us and feeding so many hungry young men. I thought the camp was a great coming together of players, parents, coaches and managers, there was a great deal of enthusiasm and it was apparent that there is enormous good intention to see this new competition succeed."

"As for the players, I was blown away by some of the skills, and I came away very impressed with the standard of play and the way they formed combinations when they didn't know each other. I have a very good feeling about the whole competition."

The final Hearts Camp for the Upper Central Zone is to be held on 22 August.