League's rising star

COOK ISLAND AUCKLAND REP: Fourteenyear-old league player Brandon Smith.

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A Waiheke boy will play for the Cook Island Auckland Representative team at the Avaiki Nui Cook Islands rugby league tournament in Rarotonga in September.

This will be the third time 14-year-old Brandon Smith has played in the tournament which runs over two weekends and involves teams from the Pacific nations.

Brandon, whose brother Dylan plays for the Queensland Cowboys, started his league career at the age of three with the Waiheke under-six side.

He continued to play above his age until he was seven when he started with the Richmond Rovers. He won team player of the year every year and mini/mod player of the year for the whole Richmond club.

At the age of 10 he received the Up and Coming Kiwi Cup – the club's most prestigious award.

For the last three years Brandon has played for Bay Roskill Vikings as hooker or loose forward. His dedication sees him travelling to training in town two or three times a week.

To help pay to get Brandon and his teammates to Rarotonga, a band closely associated with Cook Island rugby league, Brother Love, has offered its services for a fundraiser at the sports club this Saturday.

Brother Love, well known for its old school mixes, rhythmic ukulele and fast-beat island sound, will also be at the tournament in September.

Mum Tee Smith says: "As parents we have always supported Brandon, following him to almost all of his games, and we have put his needs first when it comes to league.

"Brandon is very thankful to everyone on the island who continues to support him, and is always grateful to the many members of the Waiheke Sports Club, whose support with boxing and league continues."

Brother Love plays at the Waiheke Sports Club on the Causeway this Saturday, July 3. Tickets are $30 from Tee Smith on 372-2345 or at the door.

- Waiheke Marketplace