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June 06, 2023
Mozzies take haka prize in rangatahi league tourney
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On June 6, 2023
Download AudioA surprise result highlighted the wider impact Māori age group rugby league tournaments are having on their communities.
Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League chair John Devonshire says a ropu from Perth won the haka competition at this weekend’s rangatahi tournament Rotorua with a haka referencing growing up Mozzie.
The competition was judged by veteran sports broadcaster Hemana Waaka, who’s no soft touch.
“They were 100 to one and drifting on Friday and Sunday afternoon they took home the taonga so that was pretty special and that’s a big effort from Perth to get 35, 40 people back form Perth to play in our tournament, that’s a huge effort in tiself. To see their pride, their formation, their kupu – well done to them,” Mr Devonshire says.
He says the key to the tournament is it’s all about whakapapa and being Maori.
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