The NSW Country Under 16s beat Otahuhu Leopards 17-16 in their opening game last Sunday while the Country Under 18s had a 42-18 win.

The Country 16s include GN Tigers Mark Fogarty (Singleton), Alec Cocking (Farrer), James Bradley (Singleton), Jack Patterson (Farrer) and Tom Baker (Farrer) while Glen Innes’s Brayden Gallagher and Merriwa’s Lachlan Walsmley are in the Country Under 18s coached by Scone’s Aaron Watts.

The two junior Country sides will also have their matches against the Auckland Vulcans rep sides streamed live from 1pm (16s) and 2.15pm (18s).

Country Rugby League CEO Terry Quinn said today’s live stream would be a great opportunity for families and rugby league fans to watch their Country sides in action.

“On behalf of the Country Rugby League, I just want to thank the Auckland Rugby League for the opportunity to live-stream the Country U16s and U18s games against the Auckland Vulcans,”  Quinn said.

“This is a great opportunity for not only the families of the players but for rugby league fans in general to see some of Country Rugby League’s best up and coming players.

“I know the players have thoroughly enjoyed their time in New Zealand and we hope they take a lot out of the tour, not only as footballers but as young men also.”

Auckland Rugby League CEO John Ackland said it was a good way to celebrate another big representative clash, following on from Auckland’s game against the New Zealand Maori Residents over Queen’s Birthday Weekend, which was also streamed live for fans.

“It’s great to see NSW Country back playing here in Auckland, resurrecting a relationship which has a history stretching back to the 1960s,” Ackland said.

“To be able to provide a free stream of both games for our fans here in New Zealand, plus the friends and families of the Country players back home, is very exciting.”