League powered by Origin Energy
Wednesday October 01, 2014 Written by
Matariki Wilson
Cook Islands under 17 and national mens league players say meitaki maata to Origin Energy and Vonnias for the generous sponsorship in gearing up the two sides.
Geared up by Vonnias
Origin Energy was one of two local sponsors that put their hands up to support Cook Islands rugby league during the recent match up against the touring Australian Affiliated States and the Nerang Under 17 test series.
Family-owned Vonnias was another generous supporter of the sport and has been a long-time supporter of rugby league including sponsoring the rugby league referees attire during the season.
This week Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Charles Carlson and local league players say meitaki maata to the two generous sponsors.
I can recall the days when we couldn't afford a new set of gear and we had to use an old set, says Carlson.
Both teams looked smart on the field and the gear was dished out to the players after the game for their effort.
So we certainly appreciate the support from these two major sponsors to instil pride back into our local players when wearing the national jersey.
However Carson reiterates the need for local players to commit themselves to the code and training. Not everyone got the gear with the old story of everyone turning up on the last day and the score in the first game showed. Credit to the boys who came back in the second game with a better performance that could have turned the game around in the Cook Islands favour.
Carlson says that two recent games against the Australian Affiliated States side where the Cooks lost both games, highlighted the lack of depth of local players as they were well exposed by a very well drilled team.
The aim is to select the best squad for the Pacific Games next year and this is part of that preparation for it, says Carlson.
We were badly exposed for one simple reason, we weren't prepared for it and we had that she'll be right attitude.
Carlson adds it was certainly lessons learned by both management and players with hopes for a better result at the Tri Series in November against the brothers from New Zealand and Australia.
I believe we do have the local players to produce a top squad for the coming Tri Series on November 15 and the Pacific Games in June 2015, we just have to make the commitment now.
