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”.