Eels snare top NZ youngsters
Doug MacDougall
Eels Media
Wednesday 19 September 2012 2:14 PM
The Pirtek Parramatta Eels have secured the services of two of New Zealand’s top young rugby league players in Kadince Christensen and Josh Aloiai.
Christensen has recently been named Captain of the 2012 New Zealand Residents U16s while Aloiai will line up for the NZ National Secondary Schools Merit Team.
Christensen, 16, drew the attention of several NRL clubs while playing for Whangarei Boys High, club side Northern Swords, and NZ junior representative sides.
"Kadince is in the Paul Gallen mould - he's got a high work rate and is good with and without the ball... he's just a good all around player," Eels Recruitment Manager Pete Nolan said today.
"Josh made the NZ schoolboys side as a 17-year old and has a lot of potential. He hasn't played a lot of footy growing up and we're confident he's got the best of it ahead of him."
The two backrowers will join the Eels for the 2013 pre-season in November this year.
NZ Residents 16 Years Team 2012
1. Christain Mika
2. Daniel Liddicoat
3. Ariel Tusiane
4. Semisi Vea
5. Ahurie Winitana
6. Richard Timoti
7. Ata Hingano
8. Jacob Diaz
9. Kalolo Saitaua
10.Michael Uluakiola
11.Bunty Afoa Vice Captain
12.Ofahiki Ogden
13.Kadince Christensen Captain
14. Haimona Hiroti
15.Jiordan Fidow-Kele
16.Sheldon Pitama
17.Losi Filipo
18.Kurt Bernard
19.Ken Tofilau
NZ National Secondary Schools Merit Team (1 - 17)
1. Josh Minhinnick, Auckland Grammar
2. Patricio Taafua, Taita College
3. Reubenn Rennie, Howick College
4. Ariel Tusiane, Otahuhu College
5. Semisi Vea, St Paul's College
6. Tuimoala Lolohea, Kelston Boys High School
7. Suni Sami, St Paul's College
8. Tavi Mariota, Otahuhu College
9. Kalolo Saitaua, Otahuhu College
10. Toafofoa Sipley, St Paul's College
11. Josh Aloiai, Kelston Boys High School
12. Michael Ki, Papatoetoe High School
13. Semisi Tyrell, Sir Edmond Hillary
14. Semisi Havili, St Paul's College
15. Sisa Manu, Tokoroa High School
16. Bunty Afoa, St Paul's College
17. Michael Uluakiola, Tangaroa College
http://www.parraeels.com.au/news-display/Eels-snare-top-NZ-youngsters/64166