Monthly Archives: March 2013

Gravedigger, Bouncer to play in Mackay

They may have unusual day jobs but two of Vanuatu’s most promising Rugby League players Patrick August and Jean-Pierez Kenie will now call Mackay home.

The pair have been earmarked as having the potential to play at a higher level and Souths Mackay is seen as the perfect environment for both players to further develop. The players will have access to high quality coaching and fitness programs, while also being monitored by Queensland Cup side the Mackay Cutters.

August, a winger who made his Test debut last October vs Greece and is a gravedigger by trade in Port Vila, will team up with backrower Kenie, a bouncer from Santo, to play for Souths Mackay in the 2013 season.

VRL National Head Coach and former NRL player Dane Campbell said he was excited to have them go to Mackay “I have high hopes for both Patrick and Peres. Both have shown great promise so far but would greatly benefit from experience in Rugby League and a tailored fitness and weights program.”

“Souths Mackay has an onsite gym, some terrific coaches and the players will be playing in a high standard competition and down the track if they continue to develop there is always the possibility of being identified by the Mackay Cutters or another Queensland Cup side”.

August was equally excited at the opportunity “Peres and I have become good friends over the course of our recent tour with the Vanuatu-South Sea Invitational team and we are looking forward to working hard and to make the most of this opportunity and improve our games. “

“I know Peres (after starring for Santo vs Efate in the curtain raiser to last October’s Vanuatu test match against Greece) is desperate to make his Test debut this year, just as I am determined to regain my spot in the side.”

Souths Mackay season kicks off later this month and be sure to check out www.vanuaturugbyleague.com or follow the VRL’s Facebook page for updates on Patrick Peres and to follow their journey.

Pirates raid Vanuatu players

Four promising Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) squad members have been given the opportunity to play for the Noosa Pirates in the upcoming 2013 season. Test player and front rower Kalpat Steedman will be joined by five-eighth/fullback Robert Franklin, hooker Tonny Lui and front rower/lock James Wilfred on the idyllic Sunshine Coast tourist spot of Noosa.

The four players will play alongside two former NRL stars in Captain-Coach Noel Goldthorpe and Scott Hill. The players will also have access to and the chance to impress National Head Coach and former NRL player Dane Campbell who is President of the club.

National Head coach Dane Campbell said it was the perfect place for all four players to be placed “The players will get great coaching and the opportunity to learn from some very experienced players.”

“We’ve identified areas of improvement for each player to develop at their time with the Pirates and hopefully this experience will provide each player with the chance to further their chances of representing the Vanuatu national team for our international games scheduled in October”.

Pirates coach Noel Goldthorpe added “They’ve been given a great opportunity and now it is up to them to make the most of it. I am looking forward to working with them and seeing how they develop throughout the season”.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Kalpat Steadman said “This is a wonderful opportunity to play Rugby League in a high class competition and receive high quality coaching.”

“VRL has provided this wonderful opportunity for all of us.”

“I was lucky enough to play in the inaugural Test match vs Greece last October and it was truly a wonderful experience. This year I will be looking to put myself in the best position to be part of the squad at the end of the year. I know the other three boys are also just as determined to win their Test debut”.

Noel Goldthorpe is a former NRL player with the Western Suburbs Magpies, St.George Dragons, Hunter Mariners, Adelaide Rams and North Queensland Cowboys. Goldthorpe played 182 NRL games over his career, which included the 1992, 93 and 96 Grand Finals for St.George and 3 games for NSW in 1997.

Scott Hill played in the NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs, Hunter Mariners and Melbourne Storm and in the English Super League (ESL) with the London Harlequins. Hill played 200 NRL and 43 ESL games over his career, including the 2006 Grand Final with Melbourne and was part of Melbourne’s inaugural Premiership squad in 1999, missing the game through injury but helping them to a World Club Challenge victory over Wigan in 2000. Hill had a distinguished representative career playing 5 games for NSW from 2000 to 2002 and 10 games for Australia from 2000 to 2004.

The Pirates begin their Pre-Season competition in early April with a fixture against close rivals Gympie Devils, so be sure to check out www.vanuaturl.com or follow the VRL’s Facebook page for updates on Kalpat, Robert, Tonny and James and to follow their journey.

Kalo kicks back in Townsville

Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) prodigy Kunro Kalo will stay in Townsville to play with the Townsville Brothers in 2013.

Just two weeks ago, Kalo was awarded man of the match and kicked six goals when the Vanuatu South-Sea Island Invitational team drew with Brothers in Townsville.

Kalo, who had been trialing with the North Queensland Cowboys Under 20s squad during the pre-season, has been asked by the Cowboys to play with Townsville Brothers for 2013, so that should he perform well for Brothers (which is located next door to the Cowboys), an injury or loss of form to other players in the Cowboys 20’s, he may still be a chance of playing his way into a spot.

Townsville Brothers is seen as the perfect club for Kalo as they are regarded as the best regional club side in North Queensland. Townsville Brothers are also in the process of putting in an application to have a team accepted into the Queensland Cup (level below NRL) for 2014, so Kalo has plenty of opportunities in front of him.

“I’m going to train hard and play hard and I will be doing my best for the Brothers”.

“I am grateful for the opportunity they have provided and hopefully I can perform to my best ability week in week out”.

“I still have a lot to learn in the game but I know if I am playing well the opportunities whether in U/20’s, Queensland Cup or for Vanuatu will come. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me so far in my Rugby League dream”.

Kalo commences his Brothers career this weekend against fellow premiership heavyweights University and has been named to start at right wing. For updates on Kunro and to follow his journey visit www.vanuaturugbyleague.com or follow the VRL’s Facebook page.

From Vila to Townsville: The Journey to the Brothers

Kalo was earmarked after his play in the Vanuatu 9’s team in February 2012 before going on to start at halfback for Vanuatu’s inaugural Test match vs Greece last October. Kalo was rewarded with a training contract over the off-season with the North Queensland Cowboys U/20’s squad.

Kalo was originally only meant to train with the Cowboys up until Christmas but was so impressive he was rewarded with an extension that led to Kunro playing two trials.

Although unsuccessful in gaining a contract, the Cowboys don’t want to see Kalo lost and have requested he stay in Townsville, playing with a local side and train with the Cowboys once a week.

According to National Head Coach and former NRL player Dane Campbell, Kalo’s achievement is astonishing. “NRL clubs are scouting and recruiting players as young as 14 and 15 and want players in their elite systems by 15/16 at the latest to fully develop these players. To think Kunro came into such an elite system at 19, after only a handful of Rugby League games and impressed officials as much as he has is unbelievable”.

“The simple fact that the Cowboys have asked him to stay in Townsville so that if required throughout the year he is close enough is testament to all that he has achieved and he must be congratulated for that. I am proud of the fact that Kunro is leading the way for other young Ni-Vanuatu players and is giving them hope that they too, through hard work, commitment and sacrifice, can follow and live their dreams”.

Vanuatu Captain to Club Captain

Following on from last week’s opening rounds of the NRL (featuring Justin O’Neill – Melbourne Storm), NSW Cup (featuring Alehana Mara – Auckland Vulcans) and U/20 National Youth Competition (featuring Samsen O’Neill – North Queensland Cowboys), this week sees the Queensland competitions swing into action. The competitions include the Queensland Cup, FOGS Cup and FOGS Colts.

Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) Captain James Wood headlines those in action in the Queensland Cup where he has been selected in the centres and as co-captain of the Tweed Head Seagulls. A club he has spent over 12 seasons at and is the clubs most capped player with well over 200 Queensland Cup appearances. The Tweed Head Seagulls will take on the Burleigh Bears at Piggabeen Sports Complex on Sunday at 3pm (4pm Vanuatu time).

Justin O’Neill is again the only Vanuatu player selected in the NRL this week, where he will start in the centres for the Melbourne Storm when they take on the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday at 6:30pm (7:30pm Vanuatu time). In a big day for the O’Neill family, Justin’s younger brother Samsen will start in the centres for the North Queensland Cowboys U/20’s in their clash with the Melbourne Storm at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday at 4:15pm (5:15pm Vanuatu time). Alehana Mara has again been overlooked for the New Zealand Warriors NRL side and will instead play for the clubs feeder team the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup, starting at hooker in the clubs clash with the Newtown Jets at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday at 1pm (11am Vanuatu time).

Besides Captain James Wood, two other Vanuatu players have been selected in the Queensland Cup to begin over the weekend. Fullback from last year’s Test team Jarvan White has been selected at fullback for the Ipswitch Jets for their clash with Norths Devils at North Ipswitch Reserve on Saturday at 2pm (3pm Vanuatu time). Ben Henaway the five-eight from last year’s Test team has also been selected at fullback for the Souths Logan Magpies in their clash with Easts Tigers at Davies Park on Sunday at 3pm (4pm Vanuatu time).

In a boost for Vanuatu fans – games of the NRL, U/20’s National Youth Competition, NSW Cup and QLD Cup can be seen each week through Channel 9/Imarja and Fox Sports from Australia via satellite television. Those without satellite television can view the games at VRL’s proud sponsor The Brewery which is opposite the Grand Hotel in Port Vila.

Channel 9/Imparja will show 3 NRL games a week (Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday afternoon games) as well as one Queensland Cup game a week on a Sunday afternoon. FOX Sports will show the other 5 NRL games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday as well as one NSW Cup game a week on a Saturday.

NOTE: FOGS Cup and FOGS Colts teams were not available at time of printing.

Full team lists for NRL, U/20’s National Youth Competition can be found at www.nrl.com

Full team lists for NSW Cup can be found at www.nswrl.com.au

Full team lists for QLD Cup can be found at www.qrl.com.au

Games and times in Vanuatu for this week are:

NRL:

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs from Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia) on Thursday at 8:05pm LIVE on Imarja/Channel 9

St.George Illawarra Dragons vs Brisbane Broncos from WIN Stadium (Wollongong, Australia) on Friday at 8:05pm LIVE on Imarja/Channel 9.

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters from Eden Park (Auckland, New Zealand) on Saturday at 7:30pm (5:30pm Vanuatu time) LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm from 1300SMILES Stadium (Townsville, Australia) on Saturday at 6:30pm (7:30pm Vanuatu time) LIVE on FOX Sports 1

Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders from Skill Park (Gold Coast, Australia) on Sunday at 1pm (2pm Vanuatu time) LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers from Campbelltown Sports Stadium (Sydney, Australia) on Sunday Delayed at 4pm on Imarja/Channel 9

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights from Brookvale Oval (Sydney, Australia) on Sunday at 6:30pm LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks from Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia) on Monday at 7pm LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

National Youth Competition U/20’s:

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters from Eden Park (Auckland, New Zealand) on Saturday at 5:15pm (3:15pm Vanuatu time) LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders from Skill Park (Gold Coast, Australia) on Sunday at 10:45am (11:45am Vanuatu time) LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

NSW Cup:

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Illawarra Cutters from Leichardt Oval (Sydney, Australia) on Saturday at 1:10pm LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

QLD Cup:

Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles vs Redcliffe Dolphins from BMD Kougari Oval (Brisbane, Australia) on Sunday at 2pm (3pm Vanuatu) LIVE on Channel 9 Queensland ONLY.

*Please check TV guides and or venues for correct times.

Justin O’Neill Ni Vanuatu stars as NRL season opens

Justin O'Neill and National Squad Member Robert Franklin in the dressing rooms on Sunday after Melbourne's 30-10 victory over St.George Illawarra Dragons. Robert attended the match and viewed first hand Justin's two tries.

Justin O’Neill and National Squad Member Robert Franklin in the dressing rooms on Sunday after Melbourne’s 30-10 victory over St.George Illawarra Dragons. Robert attended the match and viewed first hand Justin’s two tries.

Vanuatu’s Justin O’Neill has starred in Melbourne Storms 30-10 victory over the St.George Illawarra Dragons in Melbourne on Sunday. O’Neill was the only of the Vanuatu contingent to play in the NRL over the weekend, with Alehana Mara missing selection for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL and instead playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup. O’Neill’s younger brother Samson O’Neill made his debut in the U/20′s competition for the North Queensland Cowboys.

Justin O’Neill started in the centres for the Melbourne Storm and played all 80 minutes starred with 2 tries. His first try came in the 34th minute after backing up a break by Ryan Hoffmann to score under the posts and his second try came in the 55th minute when he took an intercept and raced 70 metres to score. O’Neill made 12 runs for 190metres, 5 tackles and only 1 error.

Samson O’Neill had an impressive debut despite the Cowboys losing 40-20 to the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. Samson played all 80 minutes in the centres, making 9 runs for 63 metres and making 23 tackles, missing only 2. Alehana’s Auckland Vulcans went down to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 26-24 in the NSW Cup.

The NRL season kicked off last Thursday night in the highly anticipated clash that saw the return to Rugby League of Sonny Bill Williams. Despite scoring a try in his return, it wasn’t enough for his Sydney Roosters as they went down to the South Sydney Rabbitohs 28-10. On Friday night Brisbane Broncos were upset by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium 22-14.

Saturday’s games saw the Parramatta Eels under new coach Ricky Stuart crush the New Zealand Warriors 40-10, while the North Queensland Cowboys beat last season’s Grand Finalists the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 24-12. In Sunday’s other games Penrith Panthers easily accounted for the Canberra Raiders 32-10, while the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks held on for a narrow 12-10 victory over the Gold Coast Titans.

The final round of the NRL saw the Newcastle Knights hammer the Wests Tigers 42-10 in Newcastle on Monday night.