NYT DAY 1: CANTERBURY BULLS BOYS GO UNBEATEN

The first NZRL National Youth Tournament to be staged in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 32 years is off to an outstanding start at Ngā Puna Wai – and the Canterbury Bulls 16s and 18s teams were among the strongest performers on an opening day that unfolded in dazzling spring conditions.

The Canterbury Bulls 16s kicked the competition off with a 42-0 defeat of Gisborne Tairāwhiti. Halfback Kaci Heath scored two of their eight tries, while Pesamino Elia bagged a try among a 14-point haul.

Bay of Plenty Lakers were overwhelmed by Canterbury Bulls 16s on Monday afternoon, going down 40-0 to the hosts as centre Hoani-Manuera Kahukiwa blazed over for a hat-trick and Elia added another six goals to his tally.

The Canterbury Bulls 16s face a crunch final pool game on Tuesday (9am) against Akarana Falcons, who beat the Lakers (42-0) and Tairāwhiti (40-0) equally convincingly.

The Canterbury Bulls 18s team had only one assignment on day one, carving out a 26-12 victory over Bay of Plenty Lakers.

Centre Nikao Panapa and winger Chris Tavake both grabbed doubles for the Bulls, who complete their pool campaign against Auckland Vulcans on Tuesday (11.30am).

SEE ALL NZRL NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE

The 16s and 18s Boys tournaments conclude on Wednesday, while the 16s and 18s Girls tournaments unfold at Ngā Puna Wai from Wednesday to Friday.