Rotorua Boys' High have touch title in sights | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

After coming tantilising close to winning the 2003 national secondary schools touch title, Rotorua Boys' High School are determined to go one step better this year.

After being pipped by Kelston Boys 4-3 in a nail-biting final, captain Maurice Stone (Jnr) told the Daily Post his team was looking to make amends at the New Zealand Community Trust National Championships starting in Wellington tomorrow.

"We're hoping to make the top four, then the finals," Stone (Jnr) said yesterday.

"We've got a good team with eight of last year's players back, as well as three young development players and three new players who have come from other schools."

"But it's going to be tough."

The team boast current and former Maori national squad members Nathan Merriman, Stone (Jnr) and Canaan Tuhura. Stone (Jnr) and Merriman were selected for the New Zealand men's and under-19 touch teams to play Australia earlier this year.

Their experience and flair will be well complimented by a number of promising players including Josh Whitewood, Hirini Houia and Maru Henry.

Rotorua Boys' are placed in a strong pool with Kelston Boys' High School, Aranui High School, Palmerston North Boys' High, Wellesley College and Cullinane College from Wanganui.

"We know that we're up against some of the best in our opening pool games," speculated Stone. "Kelston won last year and Aranui are very strong."

Rotorua will join 47 teams from around New Zealand - including Murupara's Rangitahi College, who qualified for the mixed grade - when they converge on Frazer Park in the Hutt Valley.

Papakura High School will be out to defend their girls title, while Tangaroa High School hold the mixed title.

Rotorua Boys' qualified for the nationals after winning the secondary schools zonal final in Whakatane earlier this year.

With the 2005 Youth World Cup coming up in Australia in January it is expected there will be a lot of interest in this tournament.

The Rotorua Boys' High School touch team is:

Maurice Stone (Jnr), Nathan Merriman, Tanatiki Takuia, Warren Black, Pomane Karauna, Haimona Waititi, Curtis Jones, Ariki Henry, Matthew Blain, Josh Whitewood, Hirini Houia, Maru Henry, Canaan Tuhura.