Two Trident High School rugby league players have gained a taste of the next level after being selected to take part in a New Zealand Warriors Pathway under-16 camp.

Blake Binney and Mika Henry recently joined about 100 players from around the North Island at the camp.

For both players, it was their first experience at a camp of this calibre.

“It was a good experience. I got to wear the Warriors jersey and meet new people,” Blake said.

Mika said he enjoyed the league and the opportunities provided.

“I just enjoy playing the sport, and going places for tournaments.”

The pair also enjoyed making new friends and creating memories through the experience.

Mika had already gained some exposure to the Warriors’ development system, having attended the Warriors Academy in Auckland for several months, training alongside young Warriors players and Warriors Pathways coaches.

Blake, meanwhile, took part in the Under-15 Warriors Pathways trial last year.

The latest camp gave both players another opportunity to see what the level was like beyond their usual school and club competitions.

“It was good being able to play with like-minded athletes,” Mika said.

“It was more challenging playing against them, but it was good playing against people at a higher level.”

Blake said the standard of the players made the games much more competitive.

“Everyone was at a higher level than normal, so it was more competitive. It made me more focused when playing.”

The camp involved three nine-a-side mini games before about half of the players were selected to take part in a 13-a-side game. Mika and Blake were both selected.

They said the games were more physical and structured than what they were used to, with the challenge heightened by playing against older players.

The experience has also had an impact beyond rugby league, with the teens saying it had encouraged them to be more disciplined in all their sporting endeavours.

“It has helped me push myself more in my other sports and be more disciplined, because you know you’ve got to train hard to keep up.”

For Blake, the experience gave him a clearer understanding of what was required to progress.

“It made me realise what the level is and made me more focused in sports and put more effort in to get more out of it.”

The boys have their sights firmly set on continuing along the rugby league pathway.

Mika wants to make higher representative teams before ultimately chasing his dream of playing in the NRL.

Blake has similar ambitions and is keen to continue putting himself in front of selectors and “get noticed a bit more.”

The Warriors experience ranks among the highlights of a productive season for both players.

Mika said while the team’s results had not always gone their way, he felt he had made significant progress individually.

His biggest league highlight was being invited to train at the Warriors Academy’s Youth Pathways Centre and gym in Auckland.

Blake said the progress had been particularly pleasing given this was only his second season playing league.

“I have developed heaps this year and it has helped me understand the game more.”

He counts making the finals with the Māori Waiariki team as a season highlight.

The Warriors camp left both players with lessons they hope will help them as they continue their development.

Going forward Mika will be remembering to back himself.

“To back my strengths, back myself and take my opportunities.

Blake said the experience showed him “how high the level is and the number of people wanting the same position”.