September 26, 2010
Australian Fijians claim 2010 KooGa Shield at
New Era Stadium, Cabramatta.

The 2010 KooGa Shield was taken out by the Australian Fijians for the first time yesterday at New Era Stadium, Cabramatta. In the events second year the Australian Fijians avenged last years Cook Island whitewash of all matches by winning three of the four games held on the day.

The day started with the u/16’s in which the Cook Islands led 26 – 0 at half time in a match that looked like getting ugly for the Fijian youngsters. In the second half with coaches Chris O’Connell and Joe Saukuru rallying their team in the sheds this saw them come out and score 34 points in the second half to win the match 34 – 30.

The second match of the day between the u/18’s was of the highest quality, which eventually saw the Cook Islands take out that match 32 - 18. With Sydney Roosters team mates Daniel Arona (Cook Islands) and Paul Rokolati (Fiji) both captaining their respective countries they led their teams exceptionally in what was the pick of the matches by many people on the day.

The u/20’s match had plenty to offer in the physical department from both sides with the Fijians being able to sustain there intensity for the entirety of the game and eventually running out convincing winners. With Toyota Cup players Joseph Ulubau (Wests Tigers) and Joe Rokoqu (Sharks) as well as AFRL senior team regulars Junior Rika and Ben Takawai all proving the difference playing in their age divisions against the Cook Island 20 year olds.

In the final game of the day in which a Cook Islands senior team victory would have seen the NSW Cooks claim the 2010 KooGa Shield by leveling the wins two a piece and retain the shield as current holders. This seemed a tough assignment for the senior Cookies with the Fijians racing to a 12 – 0 lead after 6 minutes. With spots up for grabs for the Australian Fijian squad to travel to Fiji for the Battle of the Bati tournament constant rotations between players to give everyone an equal opportunity seemed to work against them with Cook Islands clawing their way back into the match and a try to Nathan Ford with 8 minutes to go putting the Cooks in front.

In the end the Australian Fijians ran out winners 38 – 30 with Ryan Millard and Lepani Waqa standouts for the periods they were on the field and helping seal the 2010 KooGa Shield for the AFRL.

The AFRL and NSWCIRLA would like to thank all their sponsors and a special thanks to Brad Woodhead from Cabra Leagues for hosting the 2010 KooGa Shield. Respective Chairmen Jim Ford (NSWCIRLA) and James Pickering (AFRL) paid special tributes at the after match function to board members from each association for making this day the envy of all other Pacific Island Rugby League Communities here in Australia.