2016 year in review

RUGBY League Year in Review

Canterbury Ruby Football League 9 aside

Year 7&8

The Year 7&8 Rugby league team came 4th in the A grade a great effort, and our highest placing. Stand out players were Felix Faatili, Finley Esera, Eruera- Keelan, Cooper Te Hau and Jacob Nyman

Year 9&10

In a huge effort St Thomas of Canterbury College retained their title, winning the Canterbury Secondary School Junior Rugby League 9 aside for the second year in a row. Undefeated in pool play St Thomas came up against a Linwood College team who weren't going to give an inch. The game went into two periods of golden point - sudden death before St Thomas forced a goal line drop out that Linwood put out on the full. Kicking to win the game from directly in front, the kick deflected of the post, however quick ball movement resulted in a try in the corner.

Having effectively played an extra game St Thomas went into the final against a large 
Shirley Boys High School team that had steamrolled their opposition. Some great tactical kicking and aggressive defence saw STCC quickly go three tries up, and some great defence shut SBHS out, until Elisara Vaifale sealed the win with a runaway try right on the fulltime hooter.

Seniors

The year started with the Canterbury Rugby Football League 9 Aside tourney and with 5 senior players away it was going to be a big ask to repeat last years victory and so it proved. A first up loss to Aranui High School was repeated in the final with our boys going down to the Aranui academy side in the final 10-6. Some moments of great defence and attack, and when we put it all together, we were awesome.

For the first time St Thomas was in the Premier grade at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Tournament, and drawn into what had been dubbed the “pool of death”.         Apart from our first match against Westlake BHS (3^rd place) 12-34, our largest losing margin was 6 points. Inexperience, and perhaps a lack of self belief meant we couldn’t close several matches and went down to Tamaki College (5^th place)16-22, Avondale College 20-22 (10^th place), Papatoetoe (13^th place) 16-17, before thumping Manukura, and placing 15^th.

Most of our players will be back next year, and believe we can make the semis, so bring it on!

Other highlights of the year were 14 students attending the Warriors South Island trial - Jalen Tangiiti-Turner, Seth Tauamiti, Brodie Floris, Sua Aiiloilo, Tahemaka Nui, Klayton Waikato Domanyc Fidow-Kele, Malyche Tafili, Caius Faatili, Zach Amituanai, Elisara Vaifale, Jordan Mehlhopt, Josh Vaifale, Josh Reihana.

Later Domanyc Fidow-Kele and Zinzan Martin were selected to attend the 2016 NZRL National Performance Camp in Rotorua. This camp culminated in NZ 16’s and 18's trials.

A special thanks to Paul Ruri and sir Peter Leitch for their generous donations to our raffle, and to Paul for taking the time out and coming over from Australia to assist us with training, to Shanna Taula for a massive fundraising effort, to Rugby League Coaching Manuals for their sponsorship, and to Brendan Biggs, Brian Roughan, Moresby Peseta and Delane Luke for helping run our senior side at National Tourney.

Representative honours

South Island Scorpions 17’s

Jalen Tangiiti-Turner,Seth Tauamiti, Brodie Floris, Sua Aiiloilo, Tahemaka Nui, Keanau Newson, Domanyc Fidow-Kele, Malyche Tafili, Zinzan Martin

South Island Scorpions 15’s

Caius Faatili C, Zach Amituanai, Tuhaka Pooley and Elisara Vaifale VC

Canterbury 13s

Felix Faatili, Finley Esera, Eruera Keelan-Jackson, Tyler Bruce, Mekhye Wiparata 

Canterbury 12s

Jacob Nyman, Cooper Te Hau, Felix Faatili and Finley Esera 

Canterbury Maori

Jalen Tangiiti-Turner, Seth Tauamiti, Brodie Floris Tahemaka Nui, Keanau Newson, Cameron Brody Greig,

Canterbury Secondary Schools

Amani Ah Kuoi, Jordan Mehlhopt, Joshua Vaifale, Sebastian Pelenato, Taani Taufa, TJ Belford

Looking Ahead

Next year we will be looking at matches for junior and senior sides against West Coast and Otago sides, 2 tours by North Island School teams, a possible South island Tournament, and returning and making our mark on the premier grade at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament. Roll on 2017!

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St Thomas Rugby League raffle prizes!

Thanks to the generosity of  Paul Ruri from Wynnum Manly and sir Peter Leitch we have some awesome prizes for our raffle! A Collectors item NZ Warriors 9s jersey signed by the team, 2 NZ Warriors 9s jersey signed by warriors staff Andrew McFadden, Ruben Wiki, Justin Morgan Duane Mann, Stacey Jones and Ben Henry,NZ Maoris Jacket, 5th a Canadian Rugby League Jersey, a NZ Warriors signed football, and signed copies of Sir Peter Leitch’s Autobiography "What A Ride". 

This raffle will help get our team to Auckland to compete in the NZ Rugby League Nationals Secondary Schools Tournament. 100 tickets at $20 each, nearly 1 in 10 odds of winning! Closing this Friday so follow this link to get a piece of priceless rugby league memorabilia!

Givealittle campaign 5 days to go!

With 5 days to go on our givealittle campaign, we've raised $1,150.00, but still have a long way to go. Our Barbecue on saturday raised $160 and our bonus no draw should bring in a $1000 (only 11 tickets left - you can get the lucky last one here ) - so we still have a large target to meet.

Our students are passionate about rugby league and we believe that any sports activity that engages a young person is a positive investment in the educational and life outcomes for the young people involved.
Research shows that participation by youth in school sports favorably influences positive youth development and educational outcomes. Sports participation improves school achievement,increases chances of participation in further education, and increases the likelihood of graduating from high school. 

We would greatly appreciate your support in helping this to happen for our young men help us by donating or sharing this post - whatever you do, make sure you check out our video!

 

New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Nationals 2016 Here We Come!

St Thomas will be playing in the Premier grade of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Tournament this year, and your son has indicated that he would like to be part of this team.

The tournament will be from Monday 29^th  August – Friday 2^nd  September

At  Bruce Pullman Park, Papakura. Accommodation will be at James Cook High School Marae

Total cost for the tournament will be $10,100.00, or $450 each.

Last year we were able to get this figure down by fundraising and sponsorship to $150.00 and hope to do so again.

We will need a deposit of $50 by friday the 3rd of June.This will let us know who wants to go to this tournament and enable us to pay deposits on travel to get the best price and start fundraising activities.

If you have any questions please contact Andrew Auimatagi email aauimatagi@stc.school.nz, or Tony Kidd emailtkidd@stc.school.nz, cell phone 0220780310.

St Thomas Open Day

St Thomas of Canterbury College Open Day

If you have sons, friends, cousins, etc that play rugby league encourage them and their parents to come along to the open day on Tuesday morning at St Thomas of Canterbury College. 

Players recieving their finalists medals at NZSSRL Tournament 2015

With the closure of Aranui High School, St Thomas is the only school in Canterbury with a commitment to rugby league. This year will be our 3rd entry into the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Rugby League tournament, and our second in the South Island Intermediate schools Tournament.
If you are unsure about the enrolment criteria, Mr kidd is more than happy to talk you through it.

If a school that emphasises academic excellence, entreprenuership, ethics and morals, and values your sport of choice is important to you and your son, then St Thomas is an easy choice to make.
See you on Tuesday!

ST. Thomas Students at the recent Warriors camp

Back to back victories for St Thomas at the Canterbury 9's!

Team talk

In a huge effort St Thomas of Canterbury College retained their title, winning the Canterbury Secondary School Junior Rugby League 9 aside for the second year in a row. Undefeated in pool play St Thomas came up against a Linwood High School team who weren't going to give an inch. The game went into two periods of golden point - sudden death before St Thomas forced a goal line drop out that linwood put out on the full. Kicking to win the game from directly in front, the kick deflected of the post, however quick ball movement resulted in a try in the corner. Having effectively played an extra game St Thomas went into the final against a large 
Shirley Boys High School team that had steamrolled their opposition. Some great tactical kicking and agressive defence saw STCC quickly go three tries up, and some great defence shut SBHS until Elisara Vaifale sealed the win with a runaway try right on the fulltime hooter.Player of the Tournament was Suli Sulimona, but it was a great team effort, with every player standing up and doing their part. The boys were fired up by a great group of supporters, a special thanks to Domanyc Fidow-Kele and Jalen Tangiiti-Turner for their work with the boys.Also Awesome to see Lincoln High School, the only other school from the western part of Christchurch putting a team in and coming third.

warming down

victory photo

Elisara Vaifale about to score as the final hooter sounds

dog pile as Elisara Vaifale scores on the final hooter

NZRL National Secondary Schools Vodafone Warriors video Highlights Package

Interviews and highlights from the week long secondary schools rugby league tournament held in Papakura

St Thomas fall at final hurdle NZSSRL Nationals 2015

For the second time St Thomas have made the developing schools final at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League national Tournament, but like 2013 when STCC couldn't claw back Rotorua Boys High  (18-24) St Thomas have had to settle for second place, losing the final 12-18 to a tough opponent in unbeaten Wesley College who returned to the final in 2015 after their first appearance in 2014. 
The Saints showed a lot of determination and grit to race out to a 12-0 lead in the Developing Grade final against Wesley College. Much to the surprise of the big crowd the STC boys dominated in the tackle and pressured their heavily favoured opponents. Wesley fought their way back capitalising on some errors in the STC half and levelled the score at 12 all going into halftime. Ultimately the big Wesley forwards began to get on a roll and star half Wetere Pompey exploited the saints defence to score an impressive individual try which sealed the 18-12 win for Wesley college. The STCC 1st XIII can hold their heads high after a great week of football 

and a courageous display in the final . 

The future bodes well for Rugby League at the 

college with 16 players returning next year 

for the footy season with the Saints.

James Cook High School Whanau - thank you so much for being amazing hosts this week. You have made us feel at home and supported us through thick and thin. Matua Hori you are a legend! Thank you for your wise words and encouragement. A truly great man.

A massive thank you to Brian Roughan for his assistance 
and contribution up at tournament all week. 
Also to the players' families and friends who made
 the trip up to support our team during the week.

Special mention to our league brother school Aranui High School. The Haka you performed for the Saints was a massive lift for the team. Thank you so much for your support during the week.

 A massive thank you to our sponsors who helped make this trip possible through their support - Nigel Thompson Motor Car Company, Pak n Save Hornby, Ellerslie Tyre and Auto and Lucky Smythe.

Some highlights of the Tournament were STCC being a finalist in the Cultural Salute category with some rousing renditions of the college Haka, and  a motivational talk from ex-NRL player Wairangi Koopu thanks to the organisation of one of our sponsors Lucky Smythe. Wai had some great words of encouragement for the lads before their last game of pool play against Onehunga High School.

Results
pool play

vs Papakura won 52-0
vs Francis Douglas won 18-14
vs Onehunga lost 12-28

Semifinal
vs Trident College won 14-6

Final
vs wesley College lost 18-12 

Some positive feedback for our boys from Constable Seluone Seluone:

"Last week I assisted in policing the NZSSRL tournament in Papakura, Auckland.I had the pleasure of taking Klayton Tipene Waikato and Keanau Newson to a school in Otara to do a leadership talk. 

These guys were professional (excellent choice wearing full school uniform - some schools were dressed to lounge around and watch a movie, shameful and poor effort!), well spoken and engaged well with the kids.Just wanted to point out what an asset they are to the school and they represented not only themselves and the school with distinction, but Canterbury as a whole...It was refreshing for me, a youth aid officer to interact with positive, motivated and driven youth. I wish them all the best and keep up the great work at the school!

and Duane mann:

“I don’t get to see the teams from Christchurch very often and, back in the day, Aranui were strong contenders at national tournaments...St Thomas was playing on the field next to them, so I was watching both and both were quite strong. They were quite physical, especially in the forwards, and wore their opposition down.“Their halves .. had pretty smart kicking games and .. props had some nice one-on-one contacts.”

Set for Nationals!

Two more days to go before the New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Nationals in Auckland!
 Our Team is Klayton Waikato, Tahemaka Nui, Will Bartels, Brodie Floris,  keanau Newson,  Keana Wanoa, Taani Taufa, Asoono Puni, Amani Ah Kuoi, malyche Tafili, Delane Luke, Moresby Peseta, Tyran Taugofie, TJ Taufale,  Hugo Moffett, Brodie Grieg,  Faafetai Tuu, Auckland Tuu, Enoka Mataafa, and Zinzan Martin.

We wouldn't have been able to make this trip without the generous support of  Lucky Smythe,  Pak n Save Hornby, Nigel Thompson Motors and Ellerslie Automotive and Tyres

With players from our school 1st XV, Papanui Tigers, Hornby Panthers, Halswell Hornets, Linwood Keas and the Celebration Lions hope to reaching the emerging schools final, as we did in 2013, but go one better and win it.

Our draw
Monday
Game 1 2.45pm vs Papakura HS
Tuesday
Game 2 10 am vs Francis Douglas Memorial College
Wednesday
Game 2 10 am vs Francis Douglas Memorial College
Thursday
Semi
Friday
Finals

Emerging Schools pools and draws for Nationals

Emerging schools pools and draws for New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Tournament

monday 2.45 vs Papakura HS

Tuesday 10am vs Francis Douglas Memorial

Wednesday 11.45am vs Onehunga HS

Thursday Semifinals

Friday Finals

Trade Me Fundraiser for the NZSSRL Tourney in Auckland

As part of our fundraising for the trip to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals in Auckland this September, we are selling some collectibles on Trademe, including a training Shirt and Singlet generously donated by the Cronulla Sharks and signed by Nu Brown, and a Northern Territories Indigenous All Stars Jersey generously donated by Paul Ruri.
Travel away to tournaments is always expensive, and it is a stretch for some of our boys to make it, so please bid on these items and check our listings for updates!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/rugby-league/apparel/other/auction-901535321.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/rugby-league/apparel/other/auction-901543711.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/rugby-league/apparel/other/auction-901533111.htm

Fundraising begins for NZSSRL Nationals in Auckland!

Our Boys have to raise $8,000 to reach the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals being held in Auckland in early September. 
We are fundraising and looking for sponsors to get there but Travel away to tournaments is always expensive, and it is a stretch for some of our boys to make it, so please support us by Sponsoring us, donating online at Givealittle, bidding on one of our Trade Me auctions, or just by sharing this message on your Social Media


Givealittle is a crowdfunding site that we have a page on and is a great way to contribute and show support.

We are looking for a major jersey front sponsor, and individual sleeve sponsors ($250).
Our sponsors  will acknowledgement of your support in media such as NZ League magazine and local media, our school magazine and newsletters. Display of your logo on our website, mobile app, and facebook page. Their logo displayed at the NZSSRL Tournament, our school training camp in December and other league oriented events, such as last years anti bullying and rugby league skills clinic, run by the Cronulla Sharks and covered by Television One News.
Last year participation in this tournament was covered by Radio Sport, TV One, TV 3, Maori TV and sky TV, and is likely to be covered again this year.

We are selling some collectibles on Trademe, including Cronulla Training shirts and singlets signed by Nu Brown and a Northern Territories RL Jersey donated by Paul Ruri

Just posting this page on your social networks and sharing it with your friends will also go a long way to helping us.

Thanks for your support!

St. Thomas and Aranui HS South Island entries for NZSSRL Tournament

St Thomas of Canterbury College and Aranui High School, both schools have just been invited to the NZRL National Senior Secondary School's Rugby League Tournament in September.

In 2014 Aranui cleaned up with the awards. Awarded the best cultural team, best coach (Te) and fairest and best player in the developing grade in Cyrus. Cyrus was just one of many players to be noticed by an NRL club and is now enjoying his time with his new club North Queensland Cowboys.

St Thomas will have a good blend of youth and experience, with 14 rugby league/rugby union representative players and are looking forward to returning to the National Senior Secondary School's Rugby League Tournament, being held in Auckland.

Back in February St Thomas is Canterbury took out the inaugural Junior and Senior Secondary Schools 9s Tournaments, Aranui High School pulled it back to one piece of silverware each this season winning the South Island Tournament and Gary Clarke Trophy over the Easter break.

Saints Clean Sweep of Canterbury Secondary Schools Rugby League 9 aside!

A great start to the year, with first our Senior side winning the Canterbury Secondary Schools 9 aside, followed by our junior side sweeping all before them! The seniors struggled early, losing to a well drilled Aranui High on their home patch and then being unable to finish off Linwood college. A quick turn around, and a big effort saw victories over Papanui High and the Institute of Sport sides. The semi-final saw a rematch against Linwood and this time our team kept the foot down and destroyed them with great defence and outstanding pace. The final was a replay of our first game against Aranui. Staunch Defence and superior fitness, and the will to win saw our boys close out a tough final. Stand out players were Leicester Faingaanuku, Keanu Newson, Harry Kirk, Will Bartells, Taani Taufa,  but the whole team stood up when it counted, putting their bodies on the line. Harry, Taani and Liecester all made the tournament side.

Even more impressive were the juniors who swept all opposition before them. Player of the Tourney was Taani Taufa. Elisara Vaifale, Zinzan Martin,and Sulimoni Samasoni. We are proud as of the effort and performances put in. 

This is just a start and we need to build on this success and prepare for the 13's competitions and ultimately Nationals later in the year.

South Island Rugby League Year 7-8 Brad Thorn Invitation Challenge Trophy

St Thomas of Canterbury College will be sending a team to the 2014 South Island Rugby League Year 7-8 Brad Thorn Invitation Challenge Trophy on Saturday 8th November, at Logan Park, Dunedin.

This Tournament is being held in conjunction with the Kiwis v England Four Nations Test.

The Finalists will form the on field tunnel for the test match at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

In addition an area has been set aside at Forsyth Barr Stadium for the tournament participants, and supporters, to enjoy the test experience together.

First Practise is Friday after school

New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Tourney 2015

It's disappointing that we wont be going to the NZSSRL National Tourney this year, due to lack of player commitment. There will be a meeting at Lunchtime on Wednesday in the Atrium to see if there is enough interest in going to this tournament in 2015, and if there is, to set some goals.

So, if you are in year 10, 11 or 12 and would like to go come along and find out what our options are!

Development Camp update

Two further guests have been added to our Training Camps Roster 

(Coaches Session: Tuesday 29/4/2014 9.00am – 1.00pm, Junior Development (Year 7-10)

Wednesday 30/4/2014 9.00am – 1.00pm, Senior Development (year 11-13) Thursday & Friday, 1^st & 2^nd May 9.00am – 1.00pm)

Frank Endacott former Kiwis, Auckland Warriors, Wigan Warriors, and Widnes Vikings Coach. Frank is a well known player agent and manages many professional rugby league players. In December 2006 Frank was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Canterbury Rugby League Development Officer David McMeeken has a strong background in Rugby League having played for the London Broncos and  been involved in their Coaching & Development programmes

Skills Development Camp

Learn Rugby League Skills & Drills Designed from Brisbane Club, Queensland Rugby League, and Brisbane Broncos Development Programs & NRL Development.

 Coaches Session: Tuesday 29/4/2014 9.00am – 1.00pm

Junior Development (Year 7-10)

Wednesday 30/4/2014 9.00am – 1.00pm

Senior Development (year 11-13)

Thursday & Friday, 1^st & 2^nd May 9.00am – 1.00pm

$10.00 Registration Fee Lunch & Drink Provided

How to book? Please contact Tony Kidd,

email: Tkidd@stc.school.nz  Mobile: 0220780310

Sessions will be run by PMR Developments Paul Ruri, an ARL level 3 coach, and old boy of St Thomas of Canterbury College.

Paul is the Business & Development Manager for the Canadian Australian Rugby League – CARL.  The Canadian Wolverines are the most improved nation in the RLIF official world rankings.

Paul has coached rugby league at the Brothers club in Darwin, Miles Devils Rugby League Club, Cannon Hill Stars Rugby League Club working toward 'Bayside Broncos Development Programs' at Wynnum Manly Seagulls Academy. He has been a Performance Partner & Development Coach with the Pongia Performance Academy in Brisbane working on Personal Fitness, Strength Training, Player Development, Technique, Wrestling, Identification.

Paul has a passion to be involved in the local community & looks forward to giving back to others whether in life skills or sporting attributes. 

PMR Developments was formed in 2012 by Paul Ruri.

Paul has a background in construction with 29 years’ experience in Cranes, Rigging & Scaffolding.

Working in an industry with High Risk of death or injury, Paul moved into Workplace Health & Safety where he began private consultancy work with small businesses.

In 2 years PMR Developments 2012 has engaged work with companies as a representative in – Construction & Shutdown Consultancy & Frontline Management, Workplace Health & Safety, Training & Assessment, Business Planning & Development, and Rugby League Coaching & Development

Why?  
To grow & develop by assisting people.

The business motto is “The Ability to Change Lives”

Where?  
PMR Developments is based in Brisbane but works Australia wide & internationally.

How?  

Please contact me to discuss your business & Rugby League Development needs –  paulruri@hotmail.com  Mobile: 61 417 289 061 

Sessions will be run by PMR Developments Paul Ruri, an ARL level 3 coach, and old boy of St Thomas of Canterbury College.