For the first time, the club is participating in the esteemed junior competition of the New South Wales Rugby League, marking the initiation of its efforts to establish a comprehensive pathways program.
Thaine (TJ) Ashford, the former coach of the Ellerslie Eagles and Manurewa Marlins, is leading the Harold Matthews side in its inaugural season. During this week’s joint launch of the SG Ball and Harold Matthews seasons, Ashford officially announced Boston Krone, playing in the half position, and Kaawyn Patterson, serving as hooker, as co-captains for this groundbreaking campaign.
“They’ve demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during the preseason,” remarked Ashford about the two 16-year-olds.
“Whenever Boston and Kaawyn speak, the boys tend to listen. Kaawyn exerts a calming influence on the team, and his rugby league intelligence is impressive. On the other hand, Boston brings a lot of energy and contributes to driving our standards.”
Both Patterson and Krone have been part of the club’s academy system over the past year. Patterson, a student at Westlake Boys’ High School, served as the captain for an Auckland under-16 team during a tour to the Gold Coast last year and also led Auckland against the Rest of New Zealand.
Krone, a student at Auckland Grammar School, has a background in rugby union and has captained the school’s touch team.
The One New Zealand Warriors are set to face the Parramatta Eels in Sydney on Sunday, February 4, marking their opening match in the short-form competition. With eight regular-season matches, their aim is to secure a spot in the top six for the finals series in April.
