VRL Stars Return from Injury

In a boost for Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) a number of stars have returned from injury over the weekend. Justin O’Neill made a successful comeback for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL after several weeks out with injury and Alehana Mara coming back from an ankle injury played for the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup.

On the local front VRL – Shefa will begin a four team competition involving Ifira, Bulldogs, Warriors and Shepherds on the 8th May with the Grand Final scheduled for 11th July. It will be the VRL’s first competition in its history and a chance for local players to push for selection for the National Team in October.

For more information on how to get involved in Rugby League in Vanuatu you can contact VRL Official Leonard Ngwero on +678 7788992 or email vanuaturugbyleague@gmail.com, visit the website www.vanuaturugbyleague.com or follow the VRL on Facebook.

NRL

Justin O’Neill’s return for the Melbourne Storm saw them escape with a come from behind 28 to 18 victory over the New Zealand Warriors on ANZAC Day last Thursday in Melbourne to remain undefeated in 2013 and on top of the NRL ladder. O’Neill playing in Jersey 20, started in the centres and played all 80 minutes making 7 runs for 86 metres, including 3 tackle breaks and making 15 tackles.

O’Neill has been selected to start in the centres for the Storm in their clash this Saturday with the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia) at 5:30pm (6:30pm Vanuatu time) with the match live on Fox Sports 1.

U/20’s – National Youth Competition

Samsen O’Neill scored a try in the 56th minute having started on the wing for North Queensland Cowboys U/20 side and playing all 80 minutes in their 18 to 14 defeat by the Canberra Raiders in Townsville on Saturday night. O’Neill ran 8 times for 51 metres, including 2 tackle breaks and made 7 tackles in addition to his try.

O’Neill has been selected on the wing for the Cowboys game on Saturday night against the Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium (Sydney, Australia) with kick off at 5:15pm (6:15pm Vanuatu time).

NSW Cup

Alehana Mara, returning from injury and playing off the interchange bench helped his Auckland Vulcans to a 26 to 24 victory over Wests Tigers last Saturday in Auckland.

Mara has been selected to come off the interchange bench for the Vulcans in their match with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks this Saturday at Henson Park (Sydney, Australia) at 1pm (2pm Vanuatu time).

QLD Cup

Jarvan White was the star for the Ipswich Jets, scoring two tries in the 32 to 26 victory over the Central Capras last Saturday in Rockhampton. Vanuatu and Tweed Head Seagulls Captain James Wood also scored in his sides hard fought 22 all draw with the Mackay Cutters last Saturday in Mackay. Ben Henaway remains out injured but his Souths Logan Magpies were defeated 26 to 12 by the Redcliffe Dolphins in Brisbane last Sunday.

White has been picked to start at fullbacks for the Jets clash with the Burleigh Bears on Sunday at Pizzey Park (Gold Coast, Australia) with kick off at 3pm (4pm Vanuatu time). Wood’s has been selected to start in the centres for the Seagulls clash with Henaway’s Magpies on Sunday at Piggabeen Sports Complex (Gold Coast, Australia) with kick off at 3pm (4pm Vanuatu time). Henaway remains out with injury.

Regional Leagues

Players who were with Noosa Pirates and Burdekin Roosters have returned to Vanuatu following the expiration of their visas and will now take their new skills to the domestic competitions in Port Vila and Luganville.

Alex Marango has commenced training with the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles and is likely to feature in the Sea Eagles Under 20’s side over the coming weeks.

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

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

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