Cowboys meet first challenger

The Arorangi Cowboys under 16 Powerade Trophy holders will meet their first challenger today in the form of the under 16 Panthers team.

The Cowboys met the Panthers earlier this year and won 39-15.

In the first half of that match, the Panthers matched the Cowboys with the halftime score at 12-15, but in the second half the Panthers lack of fitness showed with the Cowboys running away by 39-15.

Players to watch for are Panthers first five-eighth Aitu Newbigging, fleet-footed loose forward Christian Toa and bustling hooker Steven Rani.

For the Cowboys, watch for ‘action-man’ loose forward Dennis Rangi and busy prop Nga Jessie.

Under-16 Tupapa Panthers – Kimi Hosking, Jason Vavia, Steven Rani, Marouna Ioane, Maire Taripo, Parau Nga, Taua Poao, Christian Toa, Tau Henry, Tyrone Marurai, Gordon Tua, Aitu Newbigging, Taia Taputoa, Ben Patia, Tukinga Paitai, Tim Palmer, Tino Tautu, Kora Kora, Teariki Rurutaura, Ingara Maoate, Jamal Nicholas, Takere Thompson.

Une, Reg Heather, Nick Maui, Turama Tou.

Today’s game will be played at the BCI Stadium and kick-off is at 4.30pm.