An exciting mix of new faces and old will feature in the Vanuatu Rugby League test match this Saturday (12th October) against Niue.
Air Vanuatu host Ben Lui and Malopoa College student Julian Wells have both been named to make their Vanuatu Rugby League Test Match debuts against Niue this Saturday 12thOctober at Municipal Stadium (Stade). Lui will join his brother Tonny who debuted against the Solomon Islands last Saturday (5th October).
Coach David Simpson was optimistic about the Ni’Vanuatu squad that features 14 players who were born and or grew up in Vanuatu and 11 players from the local domestic competitions in Port Vila and Santo.
“Niue will be a very difficult team to beat but I’m confident we can play our best football to win.”
“With a loud and vocal crowd behind us the boys can continue their winning streak from last week.”
“It is terrific to see both Ben and Julian who will make their debuts, who are the historic 31st and 32nd VRL test match players.”
Debutant Ben Lui is excited at the prospect about making his Test debut.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
“To make our debut in front of our home crowd – with Julian as well – with all our friends and family will be a very special moment. Having my brother Tonny also in the side will make it a very proud moment for the Lui family”.
“It was a really good moment finding out I had been selected – I was working on the Brisbane-Vila flight when Coach told me the good news.”
A big crowd is expected to watch Vanuatu in its second test match in Vanuatu and Niue will be making their Test match debut. Niue who arrived on Thursday and has assembled a strong 18 man squad.
Tickets will be available for sale at the Post Office and Melanesian Hotel in the lead up to the game as well as at the ground on game day. Vanuatu vs Niue will kick-off at 3:30pm with Port Vila vs Santo Boars starting from 2pm. Prices are:
Grandstand: 3,000 Vatu
General Admission (Adults): 1,000 Vatu
General Admission (U/16’s): 300 Vatu
General Admission (U/12’s): 100 Vatu
The full team for Saturdays international against Niue is:
1. Alex Marango
2. Alex Phillip
3. Jason Pakoasongi
4. Nelson Law
5. Sweeney Sablan
6. Rob Franklin
7. Joshua Tanner
8. Sam Pierce
9. Kunro Kalo
10. Kalpat Steedman
11. Joey Meninga
12. Ben Titoko
13. Samuela Loaloadravu
14. Julian Wells
15. Tonny Lui
16. Geoffrey Kausei
17. Jean-Pierez Kenie
18. Ben Lui
Coach: David Simpson