Page 91 - NHS Beyond the Classroom

Aoterangi Herangi 2003

Ngaruawahia’s Junior League star

set to make the big time

Aoterangi (left) being recognized by staff and pupils in the Ngaruawahia High School staffroom.

Ngaruawahia High School student and is now focussing on continuing his progress to
Aoterangi Herangi looks set to embark on a career the top of the sport.
as a professional rugby league player. The half-back or five-eighth says the next step
The 17-yearold has been selected for the New is to play first grade league with the Warriors or one
Zealand Junior Kiwi rugby league team for the of the Australian clubs.
second year in a row. “I used to be a Parramatta or Newcastle
Aoterangi has been playing league since he supporter but now it is the Warriors because they
was old enough to get out on the field and have a go are the local team. Some of their players are very
and says the sport is a family affair. local,” he says.
“The sport is in my blood I guess. My Dad The Junior Kiwis have two tests coming up
represented the New Zealand Maori league team later in the year against an Australian selection, one
when they drew against Australia in the 80’s and in Auckland and one in Wellington.
my brother plays and is captain of the Aoterangi says he is just looking forward to
Turangawaewae senior team,” he says. getting the black jersey on and doing his supporters
Aoterangi is currently part of the New proud.
Zealand Warriors youth development squad and has “At the moment I am just looking forward to
been playing in New Zealand’s national getting into the training camps and then getting out
competition, the Bartercard Cup, for the Manuera there and doing the business,” he says.
Martins. Ross Parsons—Reporter
During the past few years he has been steadily
moving up through the national age-group teams