Official Pacific Cup announcement

[obsulete]

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

Islands take fight to Samoa

Emma Greenwood
Saturday, October 17, 2009
© The Cairns Post
Cairns.com.au is not responsible for the content of external sites.
The man, the islands: Cook Islands skipper Tere Glassie shows off his patriotic ink with teammates (from left), Arona Tinirau, Ben Vaeau and Fred Makimare. Picture: MARC McCORMACK



BEN Vaeau is no stranger to Barlow Park but he expects a new experience tonight when he lines up to represent the Cook Islands in an international Test match.
The former Northern Pride front-rower, who played for Brisbane Easts in the Queensland Cup this season, returns to the Far North tonight to play for his country against Samoa with a place in the Pacific Cup on the line.
The winner of tonight’s clash progresses to play Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji in international league’s newest tournament.
And while Samoa boasts the stronger team on paper, Vaeau said that would count for nothing come kick-off.
"It’s different playing for your country, a different feeling and I’m very proud," Vaeau said.
"On paper they’ve got a good team but it’s what you do on the field that counts.
"We’re young, enthusiastic but at the same time we’re wary of our opponents." While the Cook Islands suffered a blow earlier in the week with the loss of Broncos utility Alex Glenn to groin surgery, the young group has pulled together and heads into the match optimistic.
A team building for the future, the youngsters are full of enthusiasm and keen to cause an upset on the field.
"I think they’re looking towards the future and there’s a lot of young blokes that will hopefully be hitting their straps around the (2013) World Cup and hopefully they’ll still be available for the Cook Islands," Vaeau said.
There’s plenty on the line for the winner, with progression to the Pacific Cup earning the chance for a berth in next year’s Four Nations tournament against Australia, England and New Zealand.
"That’s what it’s all about, you don’t want to be going home this weekend. "You want to be playing for the chance to advance to the Four Nations next year.
"I think for us, it’s a learning curve, so we’ll just try and do our best."
* Tickets for tonight’s match are available at Barlow Park from both the Spence St and Scott St entrances.
Gates open 3pm, with curtain-raisers at 4.40pm and 5.50pm, entertainment 7pm, main game kicks off at 7.30pm.

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28160

Fiji Bati worried about first game

10/17/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati team is more worried about the team they will be up against first than looking at the result of the game between Tonga and New Zealand in Rotorua on Wednesday. The Tongans managed to hold the rugby league world champions 24-24 at half time. However, the Kiwis scored three tries in the final quarter to win 40 - 24. The Kiwis were made to work hard to beat the gallant Tongans.
Speaking to Sunsports yesterday, Bati assistant coach Joe Rabele said they were not worried about the performance of the Tongan team.
He said all they wanted to know now is which team will they play first.
“We are waiting for the result of the match between Cook Islands and Samoa as the winner will be our first opposition,” Rabele said.
“Papua New Guinea will play Tonga.
“The winner from their game will face the winner from our game in the finals to decide the team to play in the Four Nations together with Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand.”
Bati trainer, Sale Tubuna said the players had gelled well and had also learnt a lot from the overseas based.
“The boys had a good preparation and we will have at least five days before our first game,” Tubuna said.
“We are positive about our abilities.”
Tubuna said they were thankful that they were ranked third in the competition because it took away the pressure from the boys.
He said with the mixture of players in the team they would certainly put up a good fight the Pacific Cup.
The players had been reminded that they should win the tournament and play in the Four Nations.
“The onus is on them now to produce and come out winners.”

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28164

Another boost for Fiji Bati

10/17/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati team yesterday received another boost in their campaign towards the Pacific Cup. Deluxe Footwear yesterday gave the Bati boys Air brand canvas, as part of the sponsorship in kind.
Fiji Bati manager, Mesake Navugona yesterday thanked all their sponsors for helping them in their campaign.
“We are so grateful for all the sponsors; it's all part of our preparation,” he said.
“They have given us water to drink, clothes to wear, place to stay in and now shoes to wear.”
Fiji National Rugby League chairman, Peni Musunamasi said they needed all the sponsorship they could get especially when they were facing financial constraints.
“We value every little thing we receive, although they are small sponsors, they contribute a lot,” Musunamasi said.
Musunamasi said the important thing was they cut down on their expenses.
Musunamasi said he spoke with the Bati coach, Terry Gilogley who believed the boys needed a break.
“Hope the boys had the best preparation and we leave it to the coach and trainer.”
“Terry reckons they need a break before they fly out on Monday.”
The Bati boys will have another week to prepare in Papua New Guinea before their first match.
Meanwhile the FNRL is also looking for club sponsors for their next season.
Musunamasi said their aim is for the board to go out and find sponsors for each club for next season.

[roughyedspud]

is tonights game on the radio does anyone know?

[obsulete]

http://www.samoaobserver.ws/index.ph...orts&Itemid=54

Toa Samoa players relax after training in Cairns.

Toa Samoa’s preparations for the opening match of the 2009 Pacific Nations Cup are well underway.
The team made up of Samoa, New Zealand and Australia-based NRL players are camping in Cairns.
They play Cook Islands at Barlow Park today.

Coach Willie Po Ching and the 3 UK-based players arrived on Tuesday morning. There are 18 players making up the side. The team is in good spirits after a full on team meeting with Coach Po Ching on Wednesday morning where he congratulated the team for their selection and more importantly, challenged members “to step up and be proud to wear the Toa Samoa jersey and especially representing Samoa in this time of national grief with the recent Tsunami and national loss Samoa is facing.

Toa Samoa has been training well with runs at the Northern Pride grounds on Tuesday, and having their first team run yesterday at the Test Venue - Barlow Park.

The Fofoga o Samoa Community hosted the team on Tuesday evening with Lotu and a well prepared Dinner. As well as the church leaders from the Samoan churches in Cairns including the EFKS, Assembly of God and the Metotisi Samoa, the Faifeaus from the EFKS Pulega of greater Queensland were also present, as they were in Cairns for their annual retreat.

It was a war

m reception and a blessing and mea alofa were presented to Team Manager Mr Fritz Tuiavaii from the Fofoga o Samoa Mafutaga in Cairns and also from the EFKS Faifeaus from Queensland.

The Team for this first match vs. the Cook Islands include:
Players:
1. Kyle Stanley
2. Jack Afamasaga
3. Mark Taufua
4. Kylie Leulua’i
5. Joseph Paulo
6. Harrison Hansen
7. Tanielu Pasene
8. Misi Taulapapa
9. Peter Mata’utia
10. Patrick Ah Van
11. Tupu Ulufale
12. Tagi Ropati
13. Sam Tagataese
14. Phillip Leulua’i
15. Paul Chan Tung
16. Albert Talapeau
17. Mosada Iosefa
18. Terence Seuseu

Management
19. Willie Po Ching – Coach
20. Fritz Tuiavii-Savaiinaea - Manager
21. Lauaki Fred Tuilagi – A/Coach
22. Nigel Vagana – Tech Advisor
23. Tuilagi MS Esera – Media/Commercial
24. Lance Thompson - Trainer
25. Lepai R Brown – Asst. Trainer
26. Daniel Lawson - Physiotherapist

Yesterday, Toa Samoa and the Cook Island Team attended a Mayoral Reception hosted by the Mayor and the City of Cairns. Community and Business leaders as well as the Pacific Island community were also present.

[playdaball]

Go Samoa

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28242

Bati players remain focus on Pacific Cup meet

10/19/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati's focus has not changed since they started their campaign to win the Pacific Cup meet in Papua New Guinea. The statement was made by Bati captain Wes Naiqama yesterday after the win by Cook Islands on Saturday over Samoa in Cairns, Australia.
Speaking from Nadi yesterday, Naiqama said their preparation had been geared towards whichever team would come their way.
“Regardless of whatever team we meet, our focus remains the same,” Naiqama said.
The New Castle Knights NRL player said he did not watch the game and had no idea of how strong the Cook Islands team was.
“I didn't watch the game but I believe they will be as good as Samoa.”
Naiqama added they hade been trying to get hold of a video copy of the game to watch.
Naiqama and some other Bati players left Suva on Saturday for Nadi and met up with the rest of the players.
The Vodafone Bati boys have been awaiting the result of the match between Samoa and Cook Islands to see which team they will be up against in their first match.
Both teams were laced with NRL players but Fiji would go into the competition as underdogs with only two NRL players and One Super League player.
Although the Fiji Bati boys have played many games before with the Cook Islands, they still need to be aware this time around.
Vodafone Fiji Bati assistant coach, Joe Rabele was yesterday shocked to see the Cook Islands warriors defeat the Samoans.
“We have played many matches with them in the past but for them to beat Samoa is a shocker,” Rabele said.
“Samoa is made up of many NRL players; it really is a big thing for Cook Islands to make the cut.”
Fiji will need to beat the Cooks to play in the finals of the Pacific Cup.
They play the Cooks on October 24 in Port Moresby.

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28253

10/20/2009

Saravaki joins Fiji Bati camp

10/20/2009

Non Travelling reserve, Asaeli Saravaki was called into the Vodafone Fiji Bati team in the eleventh hour replacing Australian based Tevita Vatuvei. Vatuvei did not travel with the team to Papua New Guinea yesterday.
Speaking from Port Moresby yesterday Fiji National Rugby League patron and Pacific Cup media manager, Rajesh Singh said Vatuvei failed to hand some information for processing.
“There is no injury scare but Asaeli just replaced Tevita Vatuvei,” Singh said.
“He was late to get us some information that was needed. We had two non traveling players so Asaeli replaced him, Tevita will be back next year.”
Meanwhile the team arrived safely into PNG yesterday and they marched straight into Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.
Singh said the reception they received was great.
“We were greeted by dance groups and they garland all of us at airport.” He said they met with the Cook Islands team at the airport.
Yesterday he said the boys had a work at a gymnasium and headed to the swimming for recovery session.
The Vodafone Fiji Bati team will play the Cook Island warriors on October 24 at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby. Singh confirmed the boys are ready for the Cook Island clash and would be out to win to keep their hopes alive to earn a place in the Four Nation tournament.
He has called on the people of Fiji to give their support in the form of prayers.
“We need our fans from Fiji and their prayers to be with us.”
The FNRL patron has again thanked the their sponsors Vodafone, Tourism Fiji, PM’s office Ministry, Dee Cees, Fiji Water and others that have assisted the team.
Singh has also promised that the team would do their best to win and make the country proud.
He said the team had been reminded of the Acting President’s words of encouragement during their i tatau presentation at Government House last week.
The Acting President had told the boys to play to win and that is what they will do.
“We are here to win.”

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28288

Papua New Guinea finalise team for Pacific Cup

10/20/2009

The Pacific nations' top two ranked sides Fiji and Papua New Guinea have named their SP Brewery Pacific Cup squads ahead of all competing nations arriving in Port Moresby today for the start of the tournament. Headlining a Fiji squad which performed so well at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup are Newcastle Knights flyers Wes Naiqama and Akuila Uate.
Adrian Lam's Papua New Guinea squad - which came within a whisker of upsetting England in their similarly successful RLWC campaign - features an array of English Super League and NRL talent headlined by Gold Coast Titans rising star David Mead.
Local heroes Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles) and Charlie Wabo (Hunslet) have returned from England to join the squad while promising NRL Toyota Cup player Tyson Martin (North Queensland) has earned selection following a solid performance against the Australian Prime Minister's XIII last month.
The Fiji, Tonga and Cook Islands squads arrive in Port Moresby today in preparation for the tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, with PNG already in camp.
Throughout the tournament's two weeks all nations will be assisting the PNG Rugby League and AusAID with promoting critical HIV/AIDS related health messages while tournament staff will conduct a 'Sports Conference' on October 28 for the benefit of local sports administrators.
Following their upset victory over Samoa the Cook Islands will face Fiji in the first match of the tournament on Saturday, October 24 before host nation PNG take on Tonga on Sunday, October 25.
The following Saturday, October 31 will see a 3rd versus 4th playoff match before the Final is played on Sunday, November 1 to determine the inaugural SP Brewery Pacific Cup champions and the fourth nation of the 2010 Four Nations.
All matches kick off at 3pm (QLD time, 4pm NSW) at Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby. Vision for news networks is available from Globecast.
Australian fans will be able to see all matches live online thanks to Telstra BigPond - visit NRL.com for more information - and through a Nine Network telecast on November 1 and 8 at midday.
For UK fans Sky Sports 1, 2 and 3 will broadcast match highlights on October 27-28 and November 3-5 while fans throughout the Pacific will be catered for through Fiji TV and local PNG fans through host broadcaster EM TV.

[obsulete]

Fiji Bati ready for Pacific Cup opener

10/21/2009

The Vodafone Fiji Bati is bracing for a do-or-die effort against the high flying Cook Islands in their Pacific Cup opener in Papua New Guinea this Saturday. The Cook Islanders are on cloud nine after their 22-20 upset win over Samoa last Saturday and are determined to maintain their dream run.
However, the Fijians would be out to prove that last year’s Rugby League World Cup’s fairytale campaign was not a fluke.
And a win against the Cook Islands in their opening match is their main focus at the moment.
Fiji National Rugby League patron Rajesh Singh told SUNsports yesterday that the side knows the importance of the Cook Island match.
“The boys are physically, mentally and spiritually ready for the game,” he said.
Singh said the players just cannot wait for the game and they are ready to lay their bodies on the line for their country.
He said the players would be treating their first game as the final and they would be out to give their best against Cook Island.
“Everyone is focused on our first game and these boys will do all it takes to win. The side injury free and they are all aiming to make their presence felt come game time.”
Meanwhile, former national rugby sevens maestro Waisale Serevi visited the Fiji Bati side yesterday.
Singh said Serevi would be given the honour of presenting the players with their jerseys on Friday night.
“Serevi visited the team and his words of encouragement really boosted the boys. In fact Serevi said he’s honoured to be given the nod to present the jerseys to the players where he will also motivate them to give their best shot,” he added.
The Fiji- Cook Islands clash will be shown live on Fiji One this Saturday at 5pm.

[roopy]

It sounds like Fiji are going with mostly Island based players, so Cooks are in with a shot, and we have seen how strong Tonga is, so there is at least a chance the final will be Cooks V Tonga despite that being the least popular pick a week ago i'd say.

I'm very pleased to see Newcastle seem to be the side who has provided the most players across the comp - Uate and Naiquama for Fiji, Fa'aoso and Tovo for Tonga, Mata'utia and Tuafua for Samoa and Ford, Tetavano, Lulia for Cook Islands.

[hutch]

fiji team named for game v cook islands.

Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Mike Ratu, Jone Macilai, Josateki Ravueta, Wes Naiqama (captain), Ryan Millard, Osea Sadau, Hamilton Hughes, Iowane Divavesi, Sitiveni Ralogaivau, Lepani Waqa, Jone Waisale. Reserves - Alipate Noilea, Donas Gock, Sevanaia Koroi, Puna Rasaubale

interesting halves combination, arent they both centres?

[roopy]

That's a good looking side, but they really do need to find some halves.

[obsulete]

Vodafone Bati stars to face Cook Islands

10/22/2009

Vodafone Fiji Bati coach Terry Gilogley has named a powerful side to face Cook Islands in their Pacific Cup opener on Saturday.
National Rugby League star Wes Naiqama will lead the side and be backed by Newcastle Knights speedster Akuila Uate and Leeds Rhinos utility Mike Ratu.
Veteran forward Iowane Divavesi is to lead the charge upfront.
Fiji National Rugby League patron Rajesh Singh said that Gilogley has opted for a balanced team to tackle the Cooks.
“The coach has named a strong side,” Singh said.
“Players like Alipate Noilea and Sevanaia Koroi who were in the starting line up during the Rugby League World Cup are now in the reserves.”
The Fiji Bati side desperately needs a win to make it to the Pacific Cup final.
The winner of the Pacific Cup will join world champion New Zealand, Australia and England in the new Four Nation's competition.
Cook Islands made their mark with a close 22-20 win over Samoa last weekend.
Singh said the players are now focused on the task ahead.
“The moral of the players is really high and they are looking forward to the match. It is a do-or-die situation but we will give it our best shot,” he said.
The match kicks off at 5pm on Saturday (Fiji Time) and will be shown live on Fiji One.
Fiji Bati lineup - Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Mike Ratu, Jone Macilai, Josateki Ravueta, Wes Naiqama (captain), Ryan Millard, Osea Sadau, Hamilton Hughes, Iowane Divavesi, Sitiveni Ralogaivau, Lepani Waqa, Jone Waisale. Reserves - Alipate Noilea, Donas Gock, Sevanaia Koroi, Puna Rasaubale.

[obsulete]

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=28379

Rugby League needs more support: Musunamasi

10/22/2009

It is unlikely that the Fiji National Rugby League would be able to host any of their home matches if the Vodafone Fiji Bati side qualifies for the Four Nations.
The Four Nations would be played on a home and away basis with Fiji likely to play all their away matches if they do qualify.
World champion New Zealand, Australia and England are part of the competition.
FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said the lack of support in Fiji has hindered this opportunity of attracting power house nations.
He said they need more assistance from corporate sponsors and the general public.
Musunamasi also said lack of support is the reason behind Fiji not being given the rights to host the Pacific Cup which went to Papua New Guinea.
“I think because of the lack of preparation time, marketing and monetary issues we will not be able to host a match. We also do not have enough support in Fiji.
“That is the reason why PNG is hosting the Pacific Cup. If we are playing a game in Tonga we will have more support then we have in Fiji,” Musunamasi said.
On the other hand, he believes unity will be the key to their victory in the Pacific Cup encounter against Cook Islands this Saturday.
Fiji needs a win to progress in the competition.
“Our best bets are on them to win but they have to be sharp. The whole of Fiji will be praying for them. The players need to unite and play as a team,” Musunamasi added.