Vanuatu Train on Squad

From Dane Campbell

The Vanuatu Rugby League is pleased to announce the very first Vanuatu national rugby league side to play an international fixture against Greece on October 20th in Port Vila.

The extended 24 man train-on squad has been selected after trials conducted in Port Vila over the past 6 months and players currently playing in overseas competitions such as the NRL and QLD Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Amongst the notable inclusions are current NRL stars Justin O’Neill (Melbourne Storm) and Alehana Mara (NZ Warriors). Also in the squad is veteran QLD Cup player James Wood (Tweed Heads Seagulls) who hails from Malo and up-and-coming stars Joe and Jake Meninga, nephews of the famous Mal Meninga, with their ancestry from Tanna. Local players in the squad include Kunro Kalo (Ovins), Patrick August (Vate Bulldogs), Jason Pakoasongi (Aelan Warriors), Kalpart Steedman (Police) and Nelson Law (Tatoko).

Dane Campbell will assume the head coach role and will be assisted by former well known NRL players Rhys Wesser and Ken Nagas.

Although only established in September 2011, the VRL has taken significant steps forwards in the development of the game in the capital Port Vila and the game against Greece will be used to further gain public support and raise awareness of rugby league throughout the whole nation.

Discussions are ongoing in regards to the venue for the game, with an announcement to be made over the coming week.

Full train on squad is:

 

Daniel Andruczyk’s email: daniel@rugbyleagueinternationalscores.com