Official Pacific Cup announcement

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Internationals won 24-20

http://kumuls.sportspng.com/ listed in tweets section

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http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20091012/mohome.htm

Residents go down
By SENT TIMBI

The International Xcess PNG Kumuls brushed aside critics who claimed the Resident Kumuls were a better team by winning the annual competition in a nail biter, 24-20 at the
Kagamuga Showground oval on Saturday.
The overseas-based Kumuls have now dominated the annual challenge with three consecutive wins since the competition was introduced three years ago.
The Xcess Kumuls were rewarded with an extra player in the national team selected after the match at the Highlander Hotel with a total of 10 players while the local Rait Prepaid
Resident Kumuls got nine players into the squad.
In front of a capacity crowd, the international players kept the home boys in their own territory for most of the time in a bone crunching match.
Both teams displayed quality football both in defence and attack with four tries each.
The boots of halfback Tom Mai denied a draw when he missed two of the four conversion kicks, thus the locals going down the third time in three years since the concept was
introduced.
The Residents were the first to score at the eastern end from flashy centre Jessie Joe after the first eight minutes but the conversion by Tom was unsuccessful and they led 4-0.
International fullback and NRL Gold Coast Titans winger David Mead, who had the crowd roaring every time he had the ball, danced through the opponents’ defence and dived at the
Residents dead ball line, five metres away from the uprights and equalled the score on the board. Five–eighth and veteran John Wilshere added the extras and they were two points
ahead in the 20th minute.
PNG’s export to UK and Residents fresh utility interchange Menzie Yere did not waste any time when he was called in and scored after receiving the ball from winger Ham Tee.
Tom again missed the conversion but they took a two points lead from the Internationals.
However, with seconds before half time, Internationals workaholic prop Jason Chan bulldozed several Residents and dived under the uprights with a converted try to lead 12-8 at half-
time. In the 48th minute in the second stanza, Residents five-eighth Dion Aiye crashed his way through the Internationals defence and off loaded the ball to Jessie Joe who scored his
second try and also converted his own try to take the slim lead again.
International’s fresh forward interchange Ryan Tongia scored an easy try in the 58th minute under the uprights after a short pass from from winger Joe Bond. Wishere raised the flags
and furthered the score to 18-14.
Internationals lock and Engan product Rodney Griffin broke the Residents defence and scored at the eastern end with a successful Wilshere kick and lifted the score to 24-14, but the
locals retaliated with a converted try from flying winger Ham Tee and followed with 20-24.
In the dying minutes, the locals used all their resources in the field but the Internationals provided a brilliant defence towards full time.

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http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20091012/mohome.htm

Kumuls team of Pacific Cup
By SENT TIMBI

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League selectors have named the national team that will participate in the Pacific Cup in three weeks. Chairman Arnold Krewanty announced the
team after the International and Residents game in Mt Hagen on Saturday. The 19-man squad is: David Mead (International), Dion Aiye(resident),Richard Kembo (international), Jessie
Joe (resident), Keith Peters (resident), Tim Maori (International), Rodney Pora ( resident), Jay Aston (international) James Nightingale (International), Sigfried Gande (resident), Glen
Nami (resident), Menzie Yere (resident), Jason Chan (International), Rod Griffin (international), Charlie Wabo (resident), John Wilshere (international), Tyson Martin (international), Joe
Bond (international) and Anton Kui (resident).

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double post

[DINGb@T]

Wow. Good things are happening with this Pac Cup. Especially like the Residents vs Overseas games starting up, and it looks like they might become a regular thing for Fiji and PNG at least. Very good news.

With the US etc being involved- why don't they include them in the qualifying process the way the Soloman Islands had to this year? The last place nation in the Pac Cup every year has to play the winner of the Atlantic Cup + 1 (this year it's Soloman Islands). If the Atlantic qualifier wins they get to play in the Cup, if they lose then it's business as usual.

Atlantic cup could play (those comps finish fairly early), find a winner, play off against the remaining Pac team, then the winner would play the qualifier for the Pac cup while everyone else is playing their residents vs overseas games.

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Favourites can be beaten: Gilogley

10/15/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati are not so much the favourites at the coming Pacific Cup even though they finished at the top four at the Rugby League World Cup last year. National Bati head coach Terry Gilogley has seen the line up of teams they would be up against in the Pacific Cup but he was not moved by it.
"I have seen the Samoan and Tongan side and they are very strong teams," Gilogley said.
By the looks of the two teams' line up along with Papua New Guinea (PNG), they are all above Fiji since they have more National Rugby League (NRL) players compared to the Bati team.
"It doesn't mean we can't match them but they are favourites."
Gilogley said on the day, the position they are fighting for in the four nations could be anyone's.
"I have shown the boys some video clips where favourites always get beaten.
"I know the Fiji players will have nothing left after each game and as a coach I can't ask for anything more."
He said they are only working on getting the things right at their end as they go down to the basics.
Gilogley also said other teams could many NRL players as they liked but it all depended on how they worked as a unit.
"We are just working on the process and not the outcome because if we do the little things right the outcome will be good."
There has also been definite progress in the team.
Yesterday Gilogley thanked all their sponsors whom he believed had helped them a lot in their preparation.
"I would like to thank Fiji Sun, Ministry of Youth and sports, Prime Minister, Fiji Me Tourism, Radio Fiji, Vodafone, Fiji Water, Kooga and Tanoa Plaza for the accommodation."
"The players really appreciate and what could we do without the sponsors, they help us feel like we can compete, and it gives the whole team a lift."
Today the Fiji Bati will present their `i tautau' to Acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at Government House.

[marv]

Have I missed the Samoa v Cooks qualifier?

[tezzah1]

This Saturday

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http://www.nrl.com/newsviews/latestn...d/default.aspx

Glenn out of Cook Islands squad


NRL.com Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:09:00
2009 SP Brewery Pacific Cup Copyright: RLIF



Brisbane Broncos utility Alex Glenn has been forced to withdraw from the Cook Islands Pacific Cup squad due to injury.

Glenn, who finished the season with a niggling groin injury, is expected to have surgery later this week, forcing the 21 year old to stand down as captain of the national squad.

Glenn played 26 games for the Broncos this season after impressing coach Ivan Henjak in the pre-season trials.

It is expected that Glenn will be right for the start of pre-season training next month after the surgery.

The Cook Islands, who play Samoa this Saturday in Cairns this Saturday, have named Tere Glassie as replacement captain.

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Dee Cees proud to help Bati

10/16/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati has been blessed with the involvement of Dee Cees Bus Company in the sport of rugby league. The Bus Company has allowed the national league warriors to use one of their buses for transportation requirements of the team.
Speaking to Sunsports yesterday, Dewan Chand said he had been involved with the sport for over a decade now.
“I just want to help promote the sports. They always approach me so I decided to help,” Chand said.
“We are facing hard times now, and we can't contribute in cash so we have decided to give it in kind.”
Chand said they would definitely continue the relationship with the sport especially when they are the sponsors of the Nadera Panthers side.
“We will definitely continue this relationship with the Fiji Bati and Fiji National Rugby League and of course Nadera Panthers.”
He said his support was not because he wanted the Bati players to provide mileage but because they would be going out to represent Fiji and its people.
“They will be out there to represent the nation, so I try to help them.”
Fiji National Rugby League Chairman, Peni Musunamasi said they could not be thankful enough for the bus company for taking away at least a burden from their shoulders in regards to transportation costs.
“Dee Cees has been with rugby league for about 13 years now and we are very fortunate to have them on board,” Musunamsi said.
“Dewan has always been of great help from club competitions right up to national level.”

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Spiritual side impresses Terry

10/16/2009

National Bati coach, Terry Gilogley has been impressed with his players' progress and the link between the spiritual side and the players' integration. He believes this has also played a role in the building of strong bonds between the players.
For the new head coach he said this had also brought out the best in him as a coach.
“I love coaching these Fijian boys, it has brought out the qualities in me that I knew were there but now I'm having them in full,” Gilogley said.
He added the players paid good attention to every little detail of things he wanted from them.
“Players have responded fantastically and had also blended well with the coaching staff.”
The Scottish man said body conditioning coach, David Ballard had also been doing a great work regarding players conditioning with Joe Rabele helping out in the forwards.
He said Rabele had been a great helper to him especially in his knowledge of the local players.
“He takes any task I give him and he is very good in his knowledge of locals and the language.”
Gilogley said although he initially neglected Rabele's knowledge of the locals, he was now coming to appreciate it.
“He is like a sponge, soaks up everything and quick to learn.”
The team will leave the country on Monday for the Pacific Cup meet in Papua New Guinea.

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http://www.cairns.com.au/article/200...port-news.html

Cook Islands on league mission

Craig Ross
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
© The Cairns Post


Rolling with the punches: Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh oversees his side's training yesterday, which included tackling drills (bottom right). Pictures: SEAN DAVEY


AT 32, Cook Islands captain Tere Glassie is far from an old man.

But the Newtown Jets back-rower feels like a grandfather when he’s surrounded by a young Cook Islands outfit mostly made up of 18 and 19-year-old players from the national Toyota Cup under-20 competition.
Glassie was yesterday told by Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh that he would lead the side into its Pacific Cup qualifier against Samoa at Barlow Park on Saturday.
The well-travelled forward, who played three NRL games for South Sydney and has also had stints at Balmain, Wests, as well as Oldham, Leigh and Castleford, said he was honoured to again have the job, having previously filled the role.
"It’s great to be given a chance to captain again," he said. "I think I was chosen because I’m the oldest guy in the team.
"Besides me and one or two players who are over 20, the rest of the team are 18 or 19 and it’s going be a massive learning curve for them."
Glassie said the team’s emphasis on youth was aimed at building a strong side for the 2013 World Cup.
Although the veteran of the Cook Island’s 2000 Cup campaign knows he is unlikely to be a part of that squad, he can help build the team by guiding the youngsters into this year’s Pacific Cup against Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji. To do that, it means defeating a more experienced Samoa outfit on Saturday.
Glassie has told his players there is no better way of testing their skills and toughness than to take on a team with host of NRL players and highly-decorated internationals like Samoa boasts. Among those lining up for Samoa are proven NRL performers Patrick Ah Van, Francis Meli, Tony Puletua, Terence Seu Seu and Misi Taulapapa.
"The young guys seem confident because they play in the under-20s competition for different NRL clubs and they’re used to being around players of that standard," he said.
Glassie admitted to not knowing a lot about several of his teammates but had heard enough to know there was plenty of talent in the ranks.
The clash kicks off at Barlow Park at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the gate from 3pm.

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http://www.cairns.com.au/article/200...port-news.html

'We're playing for you'

Emma Greenwood
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
© The Cairns Post


Full of emotion: Misi Taulapapa and his Samoan teammates in Cairns yesterday. Picture: SEAN DAVEY


SAMOAN winger Misi Taulapapa says the emotion created by the recent tsunami disaster has given players even greater drive to represent their culture and country with honour in Saturday night's Pacific Cup qualifier in Cairns.
Cronulla back Taulapapa, who arrived in Cairns yesterday with players from the Samoan and Cook Islands teams ahead of Saturday night's Test at Barlow Park, said while the tsunami had not yet been discussed, it would spur his team's efforts.
"It's a big honour for me (to play for Samoa) and with what's happened just recently over there, we're playing for more than just a win," Taulapapa said.
"We're really playing for all the families that have been lost and all the tragedies that have happened. We haven't talked about it yet but I think it’s one big thing that we're going to use.
"I think it's going to give us a lot of emotion and a lot of momentum towards it."
While most of Samoa's players are based in Australia, New Zealand or England, they still have family on the island.
"I was lucky, my family made it out of it but I know some have tragedies," Taulapapa said.
"It's just going to go back towards them and we’re going to put our whole heart into it."
The disaster touched all Samoans.
"We're one people and one tribe, so it demolished everyone's family," Taulapapa said.
"We've always had that mentality (that we play for all our country) and when we play our thoughts go to family and we play for our culture.
"We've got a really big (focus) on our culture within our team - mentally and physically, we love to play physically.
"We never take a backwards step.
"What's going to happen, I think, is we're all going to come together to play for our nation, as is the Cook Islands, but I think we've got more momentum."
The winner of Saturday night's clash will go on to play against Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji in the Pacific
Cup, rugby league's newest international tournament.
On offer there is one of the biggest prizes in league, a spot in next year's Four Nations tournament against Australia, New Zealand and England.
"We want to win this and play in Four Nations next year," he said.
"Whoever makes it is going to have that ability to play against the best and that's where you want to be.
"I think if we can put Samoa before all the Australians and New Zealand and England, we'll be going in the right direction."

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From Monday

http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid...x?newsid=57091

Samoa and Cook Islands announce squads

RLIF Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:31:00
2009 SP Brewery Pacific Cup Copyright: RLIF




Samoa and the Cook Islands have today announced their squads to play a SP Brewery Pacific Cup qualifying match in Cairns next Saturday, October 17.

A crowd up to 7,000 is expected to bring Barlow Park alive as the two Pacific nations face off for a spot in the RLIF’s newest international tournament alongside Fiji, Tonga and host nation Papua New Guinea.

Samoa coach Willie Poching has named a powerful squad featuring UK stars Kylie Leuluai, Francis Meli and Tony Puletua as well as youthful NRL talent in Masada Iosefa, Misi Taulapapa and Joseph Paulo.

Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh has called on young Broncos utility Alex Glenn to lead his new-look squad.

The SP Brewery Pacific Cup kicks off at Lloyd Robson Oval on the weekend of October 24, with teams set to arrive in Port Moresby from October 19.

But all the action next week will be in Cairns, with both Samoa and Cook Islands set to take part in a week of festivities starting with an intercultural social evening on Tuesday, October 13.

A Mayoral Reception will take place on Thursday, October 15 at the city’s Council Chambers, while on game day the Cairns District Junior Rugby League will be conducting fundraisers to aid the crisis response in Samoa.

Cairns will be alive with international Rugby League throughout the week thanks to concurrent carnivals - Far North Queensland Sporting and Cultural Carnival and the "Jack Albert Shield" featuring 25-30 senior men’s, women’s and under-18 teams – involving an array of countries and cultures.

Both teams arrive in Cairns on Monday, October 12, and will train at Northern Pride Oval (Samoa) and Barlow Park (Cook Islands).

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea continue their preparations for the inaugural SP Brewery Pacific Cup with their annual Origin fixture taking place this Saturday, October 10 in Mount Hagen.

Fiji has completed their internal trial and are set to name their tournament squad in the coming days while Tonga are busy preparing for a warm-up match against New Zealand in Rotorua on October 14 and are set to name a powerful line up prior to departing Australia on October 12.

Cook Islands Squad:
Tinirau Arona, Sam Brunton, Geoff Daniela, Daniel Fepuleai, John Ford, Anthony Celling, Terry Glassie, Alex Glenn, Keith Lulia, Fred Makimare, Joseph Matapuku, Vinnie Ngaro, Leon Panapa, Dominique Peroux, Brad Takirangi, Zane Tetevano, Manikura Tikinau, Ben Vaeau, John Viiga

Toa Samoa Squad:
Patrick Ah Van, Jack Afamasaga, Paul Chan-Tung, Harrison Hansen, Masada Iosefa, Kylie Leuluai, Phillip Leuluai, Peter Matautia, Francis Meli, Tanielu Pasene, Tony Puletua, Joseph Paulo, Tangi Ropati, Terence Seuseu, Kyle Stanley, Albert Talapeau, Sam Tagatese, Lepupa Taualagi, Mark Taufua , Misi Taulapapa

[roopy]

I can see that young Cooks side being very hard to beat for the 12th spot in the next WC - especially if you add a few senior guys like Zeb Taia.
We so need to go to 16 teams for the next WC.