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Regional | Australia

Rongomaiwahine youngster makes Australian Underwater Hockey team

A Rongomaiwahine youngster is making waves in the underwater hockey world after being selected for an Australian national team.

Tiwana Pere has made the Australian Under 18's team.

He's only 13 years old, but already he's playing alongside the big guns of Underwater Hockey.

Tiwana says "It's good to play with the older guys because If I try out for worlds, I'll have more skill"

Tiwana was encouraged into the sport by his father when the family moved to Australia 5 years ago, and he took to it like a fish to water.

His grandfather, Rangiwaho Pere, says there are very few Maori involved in this sport, but encourages the younger generation to follow suit.

Tiwana's family are often confused about which country to support in the water.

Despite that tug of loyalty, it's clear that Tīwana is a talent and will be a future force to be reckoned with in the sport.