RED AND BLACK REPORT 2025: EDITION NO.15
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
A host of Canterbury products were in action in the latest round of the NRL, NSW Cup and Super League.
NRL
Halswell Hornets junior Tanner Stowers-Smith – the great-grandson of former Kiwis captain and Canterbury legend Pat Smith – received a late call-up to make his NRL debut for the Warriors against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old front-rower, a NSW Cup regular for the past two seasons, looked at home in elite company in 25 minutes off the bench. Stowers-Smith made six strong runs for 50 metres and racked up 21 tackles in the Warriors’ 16-12 victory.
Aranui Eagles product Jamayne Isaako kicked two goals and ran for 169 metres, and Burnham Chevaliers junior Kodi Nikorima made nine runs and 22 tackles for the beaten Dolphins.
Burnham Chevaliers junior Siua Wong produced another strong 80-minute performance in Sydney Roosters’ 24-20 loss to Canterbury on Friday. The second-rower made 11 runs for 87 metres and 34 tackles to continue his strong season.
Another Chevaliers junior, Jazz Tevaga, topped Manly’s tackle count with 36 in its 24-6 win over North Queensland in Townsville. The hooker/lock also made 10 runs for 89 metres in 58 minutes on the paddock.
West Coast Kiwi and Halswell Hornets junior player Griffin Neame played 36 minutes off the bench for the vanquished Cowboys, making nine runs for 69 metres and 20 tackles.
Hornby Panthers product and New Zealand Test player Jordan Riki made seven runs for 64 metres and 34 tackles in an 80-minute effort for Brisbane Broncos, who were edged out 30-26 by St George Illawarra on Sunday.
NSW CUP
Linwood Keas hooker Makaia Tafua made a 16-minute cameo at dummy-half for the NSW Cup-leading Warriors in a 24-14 win over Sydney Roosters.
SUPER LEAGUE
Aranui Eagles junior and former NRL star Daejarn Asi had a day for Castleford Tigers in their 48-16 victory over Salford Red Devils, scoring a try and laying on two others.
Ex-Hornby Panthers and Canterbury Bulls powerhouse Caius Faatili bagged his second consecutive try double as Wakefield Trinity Wildcats trounced Warrington Wolves 40-10.
