SCHOOLS 2011 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND

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1 AUSTRALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUGBY LEAGUE 2011 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND Following a successful 2011 Australian Championships, 17 young men were chosen for the 2011 Tour of New Zealand. The tour would take place from September 29 to October 9, playing two test matches against the NZ 18 s Residents. First Name Surname School 1 Kurtis Rowe Keebra Park State High School 2 Matiu Fukofuka Bass High School 3 Pat Mata'utia Hunter Sports High 4 George Jennings Patrician Brothers College 5 Nene Macdonald Kirwan State High School 6 Curtis Sironen (vc) Holy Cross College Ryde 7 Kane Elgey Palm Beach Currumbin SHS 8 David Klemmer Westfields Sports High School 9 Luke Vescio St Augustine s College, Brookvale 10 Jake Trbojevic Pittwater High School 11 Sam Harrold Palm Beach Currumbin State High School 12 Andrew Vela Keebra Park State High School 13 Brenden Santi (c) Bass High School 14 Jamal Fogarty Palm Beach Currumbin State High School 15 Junior Paulo Ashcroft High School 16 Samisoni Langi Trinity Catholic College, Auburn 17 Lloyd Perrett Palm Beach Currumbin SHS 18 Richard Kennar Craigieburn Secondary College Officials Peter Denham Coach Steve Hooper Manager Geoff Eggert Trainer Ben Heidenreich Physio Brian Pearson ASSRL Executive Note: From the original squad selected the following players withdrew prior to the tour Evander Cummins, Adam Elliot, Leilani Latu and Kelvin Lowe. Also Richard Kennar was flown to New Zealand for the second test to replace centre Pat Mata'utia who was injured during the first test. Richard Kennar, Pat Mata'utia, Lloyd Perrett, David Klemmer, Nene Macdonald, Junior Paulo, Andrew Vela Ben Heidenreich, George Jennings, Kane Elgey, Jake Trbojevic, Geoff Eggert, Sam Harrold, Kurtis Rowe, Matiu Fukofuka, Brian Pearson Luke Vescio, Steve Hooper, Samisoni Langi, Brenden Santi, Curtis Sironen, Peter Denham, Jamal Fogarty

2 With so many withdrawals prior to the tour coach Peter Denham was pleased when 17 fit and keen players arrived at Narrabeen Academy of Sport for the pre tour camp. As we only had a short 2½ day camp players were assessed by team physio Ben Heidenreich and trainer Geoff Eggert on Monday (26 th September), followed by lunch and straight out on the field. Due to the weather we were forced onto an artificial grass surface for this session, followed by a session in the recovery centre. Tuesday involved both a morning and afternoon training session, with an evening activity of ten pin bowling at Dee Why. A new team photo was needed Wednesday morning then it was off to Cronulla for the day. The players had some free time to arrange travel necessities, with afternoon training and an opposed run against the Cronulla Sharks 17 s Development Squad. Following recovery we headed over to the Leagues Club for dinner. Thanks to Alan Wilson for organising the game, ground and dinner. An early start on Thursday to catch our midday flight to Auckland. Arriving in New Zealand at 6.00pm then transfers to the Kingsgate Hotel in Parnell, for check in, team meeting and dinner. The Hotel, which would be our base for our stay in New Zealand, was excellent. Close to town, excellent training venue only 20 minutes away, and about 30 minutes to Bruce Pulman Oval, where both Test Matches would be played. Friday involved a late breakfast, team walk with training in the afternoon. With the 1 st Test on Sunday the boys trained well on Saturday morning and had the afternoon with family or a visit to Auckland. Sunday 2 nd October 1st Test ASSRL V New Zealand RESIDENTS BRUCE PULMAN PARK, PAPAKURA, AUCKLAND The game commenced in very wet, windy conditions with the Aussies adjusting best scoring the first try through Pat Mata utia off a smart Curtis Sironen kick. Sam Harrold converted. The Aussies continued to find space down the right hand edge with two tries to Nene Macdonald leaving the half time score 14 points to 10. A glut of possession and a run of penalties to the NZ side saw them pile on three tries and a penalty goal to look to have the match wrapped up at 28 points to 14 however the Aussie boys never threw in the towel and fought back with tries to Luke Vescio and Jake Trbojevic. Sam Harrold converted both to be trailing 28 points to 26 with five minutes to play. The Aussies made a number of breaks but were denied by desperate Kiwi defence with the score remaining unchanged at 28 to 26 to NZ. Jake Trbojevic and David Klemmer were outstanding with David winning the MVP medallion.

3 Taking the advice from the 2007 tour group we headed north on Monday for recovery at the Waiwera Thermal Pools. The 40 minute drive was well worth it as the centre included numerous pools varying from 26oC to 48 oc, along with slides etc. Thanks also to Dixon McIver (GM of the Pools) for his hospitality. The plan for Tuesday was a cultural and sightseeing day, away from football. The tour group of 22 boarded our coach and tripped south for 3 hours to Rotorua. With a quick stop along the way we ended up at AgroVentures where the players had some fun Jet boating. Then it was off to the Rotorua and the Te Puia Cultural Centre for a guided tour. That included participating in cultural games, visiting a wood carving school To finish off the day we witnessed a traditional ceremony and visited the gift shop for some souvenirs of our visit. the thermal springs.

4 During the day, Pat Mata'utia was unfortunately ruled out with an ankle injury. Staff acted quickly and at 11.00pm Tuesday night we picked Richard Kennar, from Melbourne, up at Auckland Airport. Richie became the first Victorian to be selected in the Australian Schoolboys. Pat decided to stay on with the group and support the team as we prepared for the second test. Wednesday was back into the footy side of things after the team welcomed Richie it was off for a Gym workout and Pool session in the morning. After lunch the players went through a DVD session from game one then off to the training fields. This tour saw the introduction of the NRL supporting a Welfare Officer for part of the tour. We were fortunate to have Mr Michael McEntyre, from the Newcastle Knights, join us. He had the boys for 3-4 sessions during this mid-week period, where he outlined the expectations from a club and Toyota Cup perspective, gave Career advice and supervised and assisted students from NSW who were doing their Higher School Certificate. This was very well received by the boys (and their parents / schools) A similar program for Thursday, with training, physio and Welfare sessions. On Friday the group decided to train before breakfast and allow the boys some family time as many had parents, family and friends flying over to watch the 2 nd test. Saturday 8 th October 2nd Test ASSRL V New Zealand RESIDENTS BRUCE PULMAN PARK, PAPAKURA, AUCKLAND The game was highly anticipated after the Kiwis won the first game the previous week. The game was played in sunny, windy conditions on an excellent surface. The game was even early, after 10 minutes Curtis Sironen opened the scoring with a try where he crashed over from dummy half and Sam Harrold s conversion gave the Australians a 6-0 lead. The Kiwis replied in the 17th minute, leaving a 6-4 score line. From the kick-off, after a New Zealand error the ball went wide to the right for halfback Kane Elgey, who dummied inside and outside to score 15 m to the right of the posts to take the score to A try to Matiu Fukofuka, in the left corner had the score at Five minutes later, the Australians gained the ball from a Kiwi mistake. Sam Harrold made a slanting run from a second man play and passed to George Jennings who put Matiu Fukofuka over again in the corner for an 18-4 lead. Jake Trbojevic followed up to score a try, 10 metres to the left of the posts. Sam Harrold s conversion took the score to 24-4, and the teams went to half time at that score The Kiwis scored again just after half time to take the score to In the 15th minute of the second half, Matiu Fukofuka went over to score his third try of the match. Sam Harrold again converted to take the score to In the 21st minute, Andrew Vela took the ball off the ruck and stormed to the line, battling five tacklers, to score 15 metres to the right of the posts. Sam Harrold kicked his fourth conversion to take the score to New Zealand scored again in the 27th minute with the score now This was quickly followed by another to cut the lead to In the 35th minute, David Klemmer who took on another three defenders to crash over 5 metres from the left corner. This last score of the match meant that it was a win to the Australians. Andrew Vela Man of the Match Second Test Victory celebrations after the Second Test win

5 The day concluded with the after match formalities, followed by a team and supporters dinner at the Kingsgate Hotel, attended by about 30 parents friends and family. All the players were presented with their jersey from the tour and the following Tour Awards were presented. Best on Tour: Jamal Fogerty Best Forward: Jake Trbojevic Best Back: Matiu Fukofuka Best and Fairest: David Klemmer I would like to thank the following Sash Stosic (NZ Football operations Manager) was our liaison and contact in New Zealand. Nothing was too much for him and his staff. Tony Kemp (NZ Rugby League) was invaluable in his advice and help with Waiwera Thermal Pools, and our trip to Rotorua (and Agroventures). His many contacts looked after us in many ways Australian Schoolboys Officials Coach Peter Denham for his guidance and overseeing the players and staff, in his first year as coach, he had the mix right, allowing the players and staff some time away from footy, whilst always maintaining the strong traditions of the Australian Schoolboys. His preparation gave the team the best possible preparation. Trainer Geoff Eggert worked well with players and staff. He had the team in their best possible condition, monitoring the players wellness and was a professional both on and off the field. In his third year with the Schoolboys his knowledge and understanding was appreciated. Physiotherapist Ben Heidenreich. Ben not only covered the role of physio but proved a hand at dealing with all issues that arose on tour. Players were given the best care. Between Geoff and Ben they left no stone unturned. Brian Pearson ASSRL Executive member. Brian s assistance was much appreciated. He took on the task and organised and liaised with locals regarding our trips to Waiwera and Rotorua. For full and detailed match reports and photos visit