The Uni-Norths Owls wrapped up their final home game of the 2025 season with a 28-14 win over Western Districts Lions. With two rounds to go, the Owls remain in third place on the ladder, just behind Vikings and Royals. The match also served as Old Owls Day and Sponsors Day, with a large crowd of supporters in attendance.

The Owls came out firing, with Rhys Van Nek opening the scoring early in the first half. His first try was followed by a second at the 24-minute mark, as he powered through the Lions’ defense. The Owls were in full control, and Van Nek was quickly becoming a standout player in the game.

Samuel Toa was his reliable self, converting both tries and adding another with a successful kick after Van Nek’s third try at the 42-minute mark. Van Nek showed his class early in the second half, proving why he’s is a key figure in the Owls’ forward pack this season. The Lions’ defence struggled to contain him, and he kept the pressure on with his powerful runs.

Despite a penalty try awarded to the Lions, the Owls’ defence remained resolute. Tobias Macpherson and Van Nek both received yellow cards during the game, but the Owls managed to hold their ground, even while short-handed. Their discipline was tested, but Jimmy Plowman, Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa, and the rest of the team dug in deep to deny the Lions any momentum.

The Owls were able to extend their lead with a try to Tauati Chan Tung at the 75-minute mark, and Toa slotted the conversion to keep the Owls in control. Despite the Lions pushing in the final moments, the Owls’ defense held firm and secured the win.

With this victory, the Owls stay third on the ladder and now turn their attention to next week’s clash with Vikings. It’ll be a crucial game in the race for the finals, but the Owls will be confident, knowing they’ve proven their resilience and discipline in this key win.

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Point Summary:

Tries:

• Tauati Chan Tung, 75′ (Owls)
• Rhys Van Nek, 42′ (Owls)
• Rhys Van Nek, 39′ (Owls)
• Rhys Van Nek, 24′ (Owls)
• Penalty Try (Lions)
• Nofoasa Lemalu, 0′ (Lions)

Conversions:

• Samuel Toa, 75′ (Owls)
• Samuel Toa, 42′ (Owls)
• Samuel Toa, 39′ (Owls)
• Samuel Toa, 24′ (Owls)
• Declan Meredith, 0′ (Lions)

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Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade:

1. Vaotangi Mafi
2. Christopher Mickelson
3. Rhys Van Nek
4. Billy Hansen
5. Samuel Mickelson (C)
6. Tobias Macpherson
7. Jimmy Plowman
8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa
9. Zion Going
10. Samuel Toa
11. Charlie Crozier
12. Patrick Callaughan
13. Liae Tuilagi
14. Siave Seti
15. Jordan Thompson

Substitutes:
16. Will Hodge
17. Tauati Chan Tung
18. Te Huia Kutia

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Western District Lions 1st Grade:

1. Timoci Sauvoli
2. Ioelu Pisu
3. Aisake Atani
4. Sailosi Vukalokalo
5. Tavita Pouesi
6. Joe Toma
7. Moeaki Toma
8. Ryan Kiely
9. Samuel Watson
10. Declan Meredith
11. Rohnin Parsons
12. Nofoasa Lemalu
13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
14. Dylan Bretton
15. Name Withheld

Substitutes:
17. Iain Onosi
20. Declan Whitton