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A team that combines Hibiscus Coast Raiders U14 girls players with a large contingent from Northland proved a winning combination, in more ways than one.
The Hibiscus Coast Northland Raiders U14 team were declared Auckland Rugby League (ARL) Pennant Champions after winning a nail biting final against the Manukau Magpies on August 20.
The record shows that Raiders won the game, 12-10, via a try in the final minute by Whangaparāoa College student Te Maia Davidson – an exciting and hard-won result.
But it was what had happened behind the scenes that made this win, and the team itself, even more special.
The team is made up of five local players and 17 from all over Northland. It is co-captained by Whangaparāoa College’s Melanie Dunn-Watkins and Northland player Makayla Hillyard Ngawati.
Team manager, Aika Slate Te Rito, who is from Whangarei, says the relationship between Raiders and Northland came about at a rugby league tournament a few years ago.
“Our Northland girls wanted to keep playing, but there are no ARL competitions up here,” she says. “Raiders made room for us and we’ve been a combined team since 2020.”
Te Rito says that Covid-19 meant this has been the U14 team’s first full season in the ARL competition.
Head trainer Michael King trains the Northland girls in Whangarei, while Takangaroa (TK) Davidson trains the Hibiscus Coast girls at Raiders’ grounds in Stanmore Bay.
The Northland players make the long journey to Auckland for games.
Te Rito says it’s a big team because so many Northland girls were keen to play and it was important that no-one missed out.
“Anti-social behaviour and mental health are very real issues for this age group, and playing league keeps the girls away from that,” she says. “We had to make sure it happened.”
Whanau support was crucial in raising the $10,000 it cost for transport, kit and other expenses.
“It was raised through food stalls, cleaning – family and supporters did whatever they could.”
The final, at Mountford Park in Manurewa saw a big contingent of supporters on the sidelines, including Raiders club captain Seth Gleeson.
Te Rito says the Northland players have a lot to thank Raiders for.
“Hibiscus Coast Raiders enabled us to take part – they gave the Northland girls the opportunity. We appreciate the second home we have found with Raiders and all their support.”
Next season will see more Northland players get that same opportunity – Te Rito says there may be Northland players in three Raiders teams – U14, U16 and U18.
