A potential tour to New Zealand looms for seven of Central North’s U16s stars as a result of the Kookaburras’ sterling performance at last weekend’s Country Championships at Cresent Heads.
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The Kookaburras finished runners-up and were rewarded for their efforts with captain Josh Jones, Toby Markerink, Toby Maslen, Luke Roff, Ned Zell, Nathan Watts and Kyle Johnson being named in the NSW Country squad.
The Cockatoos schedule includes games in Bathurst, Sydney and Canberra and a trip to New Zealand in July.
Roff was also adjudged the best back of the championships, and scored the Kookaburras lone try in their 21-5 loss to Central West in the final.
Injuries and illdiscipline hurt them in the decider, giving Central West piggy backs into their own 22. They were also at one stage down to 13, although thanks to their defence it didn’t cost the Kookaburras too much.
“They kicked a penalty but they didn’t score a try which was outstanding from the boys,” co-coach Sean Tufrey said.
He and Chris Sartori couldn’t have overall been prouder of them.
“It’s the first time the boys have made the final,” Tufrey said, with their best previous finish fourth two years ago as U14s.
Despite a slip-up against Central Coast (17-10), the Kookaburras finished top of their pool after recording wins overs Hunter (24-12) and Mid North Coast (21-3).
That put them up against Far North Coast in their semi-final. Things were looking a bit shaky for the Kookaburras at 17-10 down at half-time, but they stormed home in the second half to win through to the final 28-17.
“They just really gelled as a team and played for one another,” Tufrey said.
Their defence was a key. They forced a fair bit of pressure through that.
The scrum was also “pretty strong” and allowed them to set a platform for a backline that was pretty slick.
Roff played in the centres initially before moving back to fullback, where he had a roving role. Watts was awarded the Kookaburras’ most consistent while prop Connor Phillips was judged the most improved.
The Kookaburras 15s also played on the weekend and finished sixth overall, with Ben Murphy, Wayne Seabrook and Beau Tomlinson catching the eyes of the Country selectors.
Central North U16s results
Game 1: Central North 24 (Jock Tomlinson, Luke Roff, Cooper Sartori, Thomas Costello tries, Toby Maslen 2cons) d Hunter 12.
Game 2: Central Coast 17 d Central North 10 (Jock Tomlinson, Kyle Johnson tries).
Game 3: Central North 21 (Nathan Watts, Sam Buster, Luke Roff tries, Toby Maslen 3cons) d Mid North Coast 3.
Semi-final: Central North 28 (Sam Buster, Kyle Johnson, Ned Zell tries, Toby Maslen 3pens, 2cons) d Far North Coast 17.
Final: Central West 21 d Central North 5 (Luke Roff try).