Young Hawks play starring roles

Will Johnston

Despite being in a rebuilding stage, the Hawera Hawks still have a chance of taking out the premier rugby league competition.

In the last round of the regular season, Hawera will host Western Suburbs Tigers at Hicks Park after undefeated Bell Block Marist Dragons play Waitara Bears.

Hawera manager Sonya Wirihana said the match this afternoon will determine the second and third place on the standings.

“So, stakes are high,” she said.

“As it turns out, chances are we play each other again next weekend in the semis, so that mental advantage is up for grabs.”

She said it’s always good beating your opponent during the season.

The fifth-placed team will miss out on a playoff berth.

Because of the lack of competition, Wirihana said all clubs were in a rebuilding stage.

“But the one positive is the youth within the playing group. The positive of that is their faith in their ability and each other after coming through the grades as juniors together.”

The younger players in the team are starring on the field too. Young second-rower Quintin Needen has been a good find and is playing well, Wirihana said.

Up front, Pawhare Kershaw is leading the team well and Jarrad Kumeroa is a wrecking ball with his rampaging runs.

She also pointed out Katlos Kahui and Isaiah Graham-Hooper as other form players for Hawera.

“Katlos is creating plenty of scoring opportunities for our exciting backline. Isaiah is having a solid season on defence and carving up teams with his anything runs.”

She said Tigers were in for a hard game.

Hawera’s U16 team will play Tigers U16s between premier matches.

Wirihana said the grade was important for the future of the game.

“Another positive has been the fact we have a competition for our U16 rangatahi. To show what they have and to also do it at the same venue as our premier players, who are role models for our younger players, has been awesome.

“Hopefully if this is continued and maybe in the future bring in U18s our game in Taranaki will continue to get stronger.”

Off the field, a family-friendly atmosphere is planned.

“The scenario where dad is playing, maybe even a son playing in the U16 grade and the whanau come down to watch. Mum can catch up with mates and whanau and the kids can enjoy some awesome facilities,” Wirihana said.

A barbeque will also be fired with proceeds going back into the club.

Wirihana is impressed by the level of hosting at the other clubs during the festival days.

“Credit needs to go to those that do all the pre-planning work from all the clubs. We hope to have all those bases covered and maintain a high standard that has been set this year.”

She said that goes a long way to revive the rugby league with a competitive senior and U16 level in Taranaki.

Kick-off is at noon.