NZ's top young talent on show

The next generation of New Zealand Rugby League talent will face off against their Australian rivals next week.

The New Zealand Under 16?s side will play a two game series against the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Under 16?s in Auckland.

And some of the best youngsters rugby league has to offer will be on show.

Included in the team are Thomas Ah Van and George Vuna ? the younger brothers of up-and-coming Warriors stars Patrick Ah Van and Cooper Vuna.

The Frank Harold coached side go into camp this Saturday ? September 23 ? in preparation to go to battle with the QAS side.

Last year the New Zealand side picked up a nail-biting 30-28 victory in Brisbane.

The QAS side ? which is part of a programme run under the coaching guidance and leadership of Brisbane Broncos head coach Wayne Bennett ? had led 16-8 at halftime.

But the young Kiwis charged back to hand the Queenslanders defeat.

This year there?s no doubt the QAS side will be out for revenge and it will be a great chance for league fans to gear up for the start of the Gillette Tri-Nations series.

The series gets underway On Wednesday September 27 at Mt Smart Stadium?s number 2 field and finishes up on Saturday September 30 at North Harbour Stadium.

The New Zealand 16?s is:

Paki Afu, Thomas Ah Van, Mika Fa?amausili, Kalifa Faifailoa, Zane Faulkner, Johnnie Fox, Harmony Hunt, Jarome Kutia, Jerome Leolahi, MacGraff Leuluai, Siuatonga Likiliki, Thomas Lolohea, Rulon Nutira, Daniel Palavi, Shane Pumipi, Dylan Smith, Bill Tupou, George Vuna, Trent Wallace, Blair Young

Schedule:

Game 1: Wednesday 27 September 2006 Mt Smart Stadium No.2 Auckland 6.30pm Kick Off

Game 2: Saturday 30 September 2006 The Oval ? North Harbour Stadium Auckland 3.00pm Kick Off