Cup-bound Knights ready to shock league world
BY JOSH LEESON
8/10/2008 10:15:00 PM
NEWCASTLE Knights Tongan winger Cooper Vuna expects Pacific Islander teams to surprise the rugby league world and knock off one of the big three Australia, England and New Zealand in the World Cup.
Vuna and Knights prop Richard Fa'aoso were selected yesterday to represent Tonga, and Newcastle backs Wes Naiqama and Akuila Uate were named for Fiji.
The NRL has experienced an influx of Pacific Islanders in recent years and many have made a huge impact on the game.
Vuna said the explosion of Islander talent in league meant pundits could be in for a shock during the World Cup.
"I reckon that all the Islander teams are the underdogs, but one will probably come out of nowhere to beat one of the top teams like England, New Zealand and Australia," Vuna said. "Hopefully one of the Islander teams can get up there and make the Islanders proud."
Vuna's parents were born in Tonga, but he was born in Auckland, which enabled the 97-kilogram speedster to qualify for either nation.
Vuna has spent the past month training with the Kiwi preliminary squad but was overlooked for the final 24-man squad.
"But I'm grateful for Tonga to approach me and give me the opportunity to play in the World Cup it's a big honour," Vuna said.
Tonga will play the Kiwis in a warm-up match next week in New Zealand.
Vuna makes up part of a strong backline featuring Penrith centre Michael Jennings and Parramatta five-eighth Feleti Mateo.
Naiqama's World Cup will be extra special because he will captain the Fijians.
Fiji lack the NRL credentials of Samoa and Tonga, but Naiqama is confident his side can progress beyond the pool stage.
"We've got France and Scotland in our pool, so I reckon with our experienced players in the squad, there's no reason why we can't win those two games," he said.
"We're a real chance of going through to the semis."
Uate's selection for Fiji could not have come at a better time. The flying winger turned 21 on Monday.
Uate moved to Woy Woy from Fiji four years ago with his father and stepmother and is looking forward to returning home to prepare for the World Cup.
"Everyone in the islands is really proud of everyone playing overseas, so I can't wait to play against other teams like Australia and New Zealand," Uate said.
"I can't wait to get back home and do some training and get to know the other guys."
Naiqama and Uate will travel to Fiji on Tuesday and go into camp for a week before setting up base at Gosford.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/lo...ghts-ready-to-shock-league-world/1328802.aspx
BY JOSH LEESON
8/10/2008 10:15:00 PM
NEWCASTLE Knights Tongan winger Cooper Vuna expects Pacific Islander teams to surprise the rugby league world and knock off one of the big three Australia, England and New Zealand in the World Cup.
Vuna and Knights prop Richard Fa'aoso were selected yesterday to represent Tonga, and Newcastle backs Wes Naiqama and Akuila Uate were named for Fiji.
The NRL has experienced an influx of Pacific Islanders in recent years and many have made a huge impact on the game.
Vuna said the explosion of Islander talent in league meant pundits could be in for a shock during the World Cup.
"I reckon that all the Islander teams are the underdogs, but one will probably come out of nowhere to beat one of the top teams like England, New Zealand and Australia," Vuna said. "Hopefully one of the Islander teams can get up there and make the Islanders proud."
Vuna's parents were born in Tonga, but he was born in Auckland, which enabled the 97-kilogram speedster to qualify for either nation.
Vuna has spent the past month training with the Kiwi preliminary squad but was overlooked for the final 24-man squad.
"But I'm grateful for Tonga to approach me and give me the opportunity to play in the World Cup it's a big honour," Vuna said.
Tonga will play the Kiwis in a warm-up match next week in New Zealand.
Vuna makes up part of a strong backline featuring Penrith centre Michael Jennings and Parramatta five-eighth Feleti Mateo.
Naiqama's World Cup will be extra special because he will captain the Fijians.
Fiji lack the NRL credentials of Samoa and Tonga, but Naiqama is confident his side can progress beyond the pool stage.
"We've got France and Scotland in our pool, so I reckon with our experienced players in the squad, there's no reason why we can't win those two games," he said.
"We're a real chance of going through to the semis."
Uate's selection for Fiji could not have come at a better time. The flying winger turned 21 on Monday.
Uate moved to Woy Woy from Fiji four years ago with his father and stepmother and is looking forward to returning home to prepare for the World Cup.
"Everyone in the islands is really proud of everyone playing overseas, so I can't wait to play against other teams like Australia and New Zealand," Uate said.
"I can't wait to get back home and do some training and get to know the other guys."
Naiqama and Uate will travel to Fiji on Tuesday and go into camp for a week before setting up base at Gosford.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/lo...ghts-ready-to-shock-league-world/1328802.aspx
