THEY were undefeated last year and so far this season the Group 10 under 13s have bettered every team which has come up against them, but their impressive record will face a stern test when they head to New Zealand on Friday.

Following on from the success of last year’s under 13s tour of New Zealand, Group 10 Junior Rugby League will once again send some of its most talented juniors across the ditch to continue the trans-Tasman rivalry.

The Group 10 under 13s will play games against the Te Atatu Roosters and Port Chevalier Pirates in Auckland as well as the Bay of Plenty representative side in Rotorua.

The touring side will be skippered by Bathurst Panthers halfback Noah Griffiths, a player who showed outstanding form in the Group 10 Junior Rugby League under 14s competition this year.

St Pat’s Blue under 13s players Josh Hanrahan, Ash Cosgrove and Charlie Ayoub as well as St Pat’s White talents Ben Matthews, Nick Adams, Jayden Fisher and Blake Martin are amongst his team-mates.

“I am very proud of the kids, they have worked incredibly hard this year,” manager Cas Hanrahan said.

“Noah has been a standout player, he actually was named the most consistent junior for his own local club this year and his under 14 Panthers won the comp.

“They are just a fantastic bunch of kids too.”

Over the last two years the playing group, who are coached by Trevor Fitzgerald, have won all seven of their games. They have taken on the best from Group 9, Group 11 and Group 20.

While Bathurst players dominate the squad, Orange, Lithgow, Mudgee, Oberon, Blayney and Cowra clubs are also represented. It has proved a strong combination.

“We haven’t lost a game in any of the carnivals this year. Six weeks ago we went to Mudgee to play a Hunter Valley team. They came down here because they heard how good we were – we beat them too,” Hanrahan said.

“The boys are all pumped to take on the big Maori kids. They are playing three games in less than a week, so it is a major experience for the kids.

“Josh Dominello, he’s our little hooker, he will take on kids twice his size. He is a hard little nugget, he’s not shy about stepping forward and stepping up.”

Fullback Addison Williams, a Bloomfield junior, will have a big role to play with the boot. His goal kicking has been a major weapon for the Group 10 side this season.

“He kicked 15 from 15 before he missed one,” Hanrahan said. “He kicks them from out on the sideline and he kicked a 40 metre penalty as well, he’s amazing for a young kid.”

Fitzgerald believes the tour will help develop the talent within his squad and will provide them with valuable experience ahead of next season.

In 2016 the Group 10 side will take part in the Southern Country Championships, which not only covers the southern areas of NSW, but country Victoria.

Their first match against the Roosters in Auckland will be tough given they made the grand final of their competition this year.

However, the coach believes the match in Rotorua is the one which will most challenge his squad.

“The second game they play will be the hardest as they take on the Bay of Plenty rep side. Last year’s side was very big and very fast, and I believe this year’s side will be no different,” Fitzgerald said.

“The last game will be against the Port Chevalier Pirates in Auckland. Last year’s post-match presentation was the most memorable of the tour with both the teams getting on the stage at the end of the night and doing the haka and having fun.”

The touring party will include trainer John Griffiths, Anglea Buckley from the Group 10 Junior Rugby League executive, and a group of around 40 supporters.

Aside from playing, the Group 10 juniors will be treated to a guided tour through Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium by former Warriors player Jerome Ropati.

The side departs this Friday and will play their first game on Sunday.