Not even torrential rain could dampen the spirits of the Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) Team at the conclusion of a 16 day tour of North Queensland.

The tour ended in a washout with the final game versus North Mackay as well as the tour opener in Bundaberg being cancelled due to extreme weather conditions and significant flooding.

Whilst disappointed with the cancellation of the two matches, Vanuatu’s Head Coach and former NRL player Mr Dane Campbell said the tour was an outstanding success.

“From a Rugby League playing point of view I couldn’t be happier. We came here to give our Vanuatu based players an opportunity to showcase their talents to potential clubs in Australia as well as get more elite game experience.”

“We’ve also identified some new talent that we expect to be part of our National Test squad in October.”

“The talent of these young men are astounding and we’ve identified new talent on this trip to add to the already impressive network of Ni-Vanuatu players at our disposal across Vanuatu, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.”

Mr Campbell also said that the VRL has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

“VRL was only founded in 2011 but already we have made our mark on Queensland league – coming from 20-nil behind at half time to draw 30-all against the Townsville Brothers was the absolute highlight of the tour.”

“I am just so proud of what the VRL team and the organisation has achieved in this short time and it was such a privilege to connect with islander communities from Brisbane to Townsville.”

The inaugural Vanuatu Rugby League tour marked the 150th Anniversary since the first Ni-Vanuatu were ‘Black Birded’ to work on the sugar cane industry in Australia. The VRL team met with Black Birded descendants to learn about displaced island cultures as well as the positive impact South Sea Islanders have had in Australia and their contribution to shaping the culture of Australia, particularly in North Queensland.

Tour Captain Mr Jason Pakaosongi added “The tour was truly a wonderful experience both on and off the field. The VRL provides wonderful opportunities for talented players in Vanuatu and abroad and I’d urge any interested players to get involved in Vanuatu and join a local Rugby League club.”

“Every community we went to we were greeted by hundreds of well wishes who opened up their homes and hearts for us and made us feel so welcome. I must thank each and every person for making us so welcome and for the amazing opportunity to connect with our islander brothers and sisters.”

The tour officially ended on Tuesday with Geoffry Kausei returning to the Solomon Islanders while VRL President Tom Carlo, VRL Board Member Leonard Ngwero and Tour Capatain Jason Pakaosongi returning to Vanuatu. The rest of the squad will remain in Australia for further training and potentially playing opportunities.

The VRL plan to make the Northern QLD tour an annual event and wish to thank Air Vanuatu for providing assistance with flights and the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs the Honourable Graham Elmes for providing financial assistance.

Without their assistance and that of or fantastic corporate partners – FordAutoDis (Platinum), The Kava Emporium (Gold), Law Partners (Gold), 1990 Ventures – Nambawan Beer, Jim Beam and Pepsi (Gold) and ATM National (Silver) events like this wouldn’t be possible.

Mr Campbell added “We will be back to replay against Mackay and Bundaberg and next time our squad will be even better.”

“There are great things ahead for Vanuatu and the game of rugby league.”