Celebrating the 50th constitution year, Toa Motu Rugby League kicked off the season with a 3 round robin tournament held over six weeks featuring Hakupu, Alofi, Avatele and Tuapa.
It was a tough final playoff last Saturday for the four teams. But the winners of the tournament went to Tuapa, second place to Avatele, third to Alofi and fourth Hakupu.
This is the third year in a row that Tuapa are the undefeated champions of the 9s tournament.
NRL President Zack Smith says it was a great outcome and congratulates all four teams for their efforts.
The Most Valuable Player for the whole tournament went to Frankie Valiana, he was also the MVP for Tuapa.
MVP for Avatele was Chadson Siakimotu, MVP for Alofi was Apisinia Fakaotimanava-Lui and Hakupu MVP was Jack Feleti.
The Toa Motu committee also announced the ‘Team of the Tournament’. Naming the best and top players of the tournament who would represent Niue if ever to compete abroad.
The Team of the Tournament include players from Tuapa Joshua Poumale, Pele Bourne, Tomasi Ita, Frankie Valiana, Sio Kapaga and Khanden Pihigia.
Players from Alofi include McFitu Tukuniu, Apisinia Fakaotimanava-Lui and Kameha Harding.
Players from Hakupu include Tagavai Tukuitoga, Jack Feleti and Tristan Siohane.
Players from Avatele include Aaron Tukutama, Felix Hetutu and Chadson Siakimotu.
Toa Motu Vice President Dave Ulukita says this years rugby league calender is the busiest one to date.
The committee are running Pasifika Youth Cup (PYC) training sessions at Niue High School every Monday and Friday.
They are also running camps during school holidays to select players to send over for the U14s, U15s and U17s boys Niue team in October.
The committee are also looking at the Niue girls PYC space in the hopes there will be interest amongst our local girls to also play in the PYC over in Auckland later this year, says Ulukita.
With the 9s done and dusted, they look forward to the open Men’s south vs north series. Dates yet to be confirmed.
The NRL committee thanked everyone who supported and helped make the tournament a success.