Wellington Rugby League is thrilled to introduce the selected players for the inaugural Boys and Girls U14s Orcas Player on Development (POD) programme. These young athletes have been chosen based on their performances in the recent youth club 9s games and through evaluations by the Wellington Rugby League POD selection panel. The programme aims to nurture emerging talent and establish a structured development pathway.

Comprehensive Six-Week Training Programme

The POD programme will run for six weeks, featuring field-based sessions that emphasize fundamental Rugby League skills. Additionally, players will participate in three workshop sessions covering Hauora, Nutrition, Culture, and Values. The first session is set to take place on Friday, 7th March at 6 PM at the Hutt Recreation Ground, with Tony Iro from the Warriors development team attending to observe the programme. Wellington Rugby League is actively working towards strengthening its partnership with the Warriors to create enhanced development opportunities for young players.

Preparing for Competitive Play

After completing the six-week training, players will return to their clubs to gear up for the Wellington Rugby League youth competition kicking off in May. The POD will reconvene for two additional musters in May and June before assembling the Orcas U14s Boys and Girls teams in July to prepare for an exchange in Canterbury in August. The programme will resume in November with a fresh intake of players, laying the groundwork for the 2026 season.

The WRL POD Programme will be lead by Daniel McEwan, Jordan Scott (pictured above) and Ake Pereira, who will be assisted by a number of coaches and volunteers from around the region

Opportunities for Coaches and Trainers

This initiative is not just about player development; it also serves as a valuable growth opportunity for club coaches, trainers, and managers. WELLINGTON RUGBY LEAGUE has selected key club personnel who are dedicated to youth development and keen to expand their coaching expertise. By being involved in the POD, coaches will refine their ability to teach fundamental skills, equipping young players with the tools needed to progress in club competitions, Orcas representative squads, and potentially NRL pathways.

Wellington Rugby League is proud to introduce this programme and is eager to see young Rugby League talent thrive through the Orcas POD initiative.

U14 Wellington Orcas POD - Girls 

Aaliyah Tapusoa-Skipworth - Porirua Valkyrie

Emmalei Simanu - Porirua Valkyrie

Indiyah Lealamisa - Porirua Valkyrie

Laurel Vaai - Porirua Valkyrie

Leona Penese - Porirua Valkyrie

Maiya Hunter-Simeona - Porirua Valkyrie

Stellar Stroud - Porirua Valkyrie

April Va'a Sila - Upper Hutt Tigers

Danii Tagoai - Upper Hutt Tigers

Kaylani Muaau - Upper Hutt Tigers

Keira-El Curtis - Upper Hutt Tigers

Leah Ray-Roil - Upper Hutt Tigers

Meletonga Makisi - Upper Hutt Tigers

Milaan Ma Sun - Upper Hutt Tigers

Prisaiis Tawhara-Hunt - Upper Hutt Tigers

Renae Governor - Upper Hutt Tigers

Jacqui McCarthy - Wainuiomata Lioness

Jordin  Savaiinaea - Wainuiomata Lioness

Layla-Grace Lealava'a - Wainuiomata Lioness

Milan Patea - Wainuiomata Lioness

Neveah Puketapu-Utanga - Wainuiomata Lioness

Riley Tufui - Wainuiomata Lioness

Sela-rai Fialogo Laumalili - Wainuiomata Lioness

Shilo Leota - Wainuiomata Lioness

U14 Wellington Orcas POD - Boys 

Akuhata Hori-Hohepa - Te Aroha Eels

Alan Junior Manila - Porirua Vikings

Amos Manu - Randwick Kingfishers

Braxton Taia-Roberts - St George Dragons

Cade Manava - Porirua Vikings

Darius Madsen - Te Aroha Eels

Elijah Scott - Randwick Kingfishers

Exodus Lia-Smith - Porirua Vikings

Ezra Boyland-Va'a Sila - Te Aroha Eels

Giane Sipaia - Randwick Kingfishers

Giaus Sipaia - Randwick Kingfishers

Haydeze Graham - St George Dragons

Israel Tolai - Randwick Kingfishers

Jackson Mcleod - Upper Hutt Tigers

Jarrell Patafilo - Porirua Vikings

Levi Salanoa-Mihaere - Randwick Kingfishers

Leviticus Keane-Tuala - Porirua Vikings

LlonzoTe Moananui-Burton - Te Aroha Eels

Luca Auva'a - St George Dragons

Maia Hollis - Porirua Vikings

Max Crown - Upper Hutt Tigers

Nivada Grant - Te Aroha Eels

NovaTupai - Porirua Vikings

Paxton Bradbrook-So'o - Randwick Kingfishers

Raphael Tugalua - Randwick Kingfishers

Regan Taylor - Randwick Kingfishers

Ryder Ulugia - Randwick Kingfishers

SolomoneTuiano - Randwick Kingfishers

Tanerore Pohe - Upper Hutt Tigers

Uruahi Ihaka-Tangohau - Te Aroha Eels

Zachary Little - Upper Hutt Tigers

Zian Churchward-West - Upper Hutt Tigers

Article added: Wednesday 05 March 2025