August 15, 2010
KooGa Shield enters “New Era” in 2010 at Cabramatta.

The 2010 KooGa Shield to be played between the Australian Fijians and the NSW Cook Islands has been confirmed for New Era Stadium at Cabramatta on Saturday September 25. The deal that was struck between NSWCIRLA board member Nathan Ford and Cabramatta Leagues boss Brad Woodhead will see New Era Stadium host the 2010 Gala Day which will see an extra age bracket added to the event.

“It is fitting that New Era Stadium and Cabramatta have come on come on board for the 2010 KooGa Shield with both organizations adding an extra team to the event on the back of the success of the day last year.” said NSW Cook Island Board Member Ford.

“The age brackets will now be u/16’s, u/18’s, u/20’s and Open’s and the expansion of our programs wouldn’t be possible without or continued support from KooGa who have helped made this day such a success in it’s short history.”

For the Australian Fijians this day serves a further purpose with the u/16’s Development Cup squad selected from this match and the “Battle of the Bati” squad to tour Fiji selected from the u/18’s, u/20’s and Open age matches.

For Australian Fijians Head Coach Daryl Neville once again he is excited about the young talent coming through the AFRL ranks.

“Having the opportunity to look at extra matches in the U/18’s and 20’s formats will help me be able to identify the standout youngsters that we can consider for the tour to Fiji. I will listen closely to Shane Millard (18’s coach) and Joel Greig (20’s coach) on who they think we should add to the Battle of the Bati squad. It’s a great opportunity for these young kids to come on the tour as we can see what it did for players like Paul Rokolati and Kane Evans last year and it is evident in what they have gone on to achieve this year at the Roosters and at Schoolboys level.”

The AFRL will be holding a player information night for all ages at South Sydney PCYC on Wednesday August 25 at 7.30pm with training for all ages to begin on Tuesday night at 5.30pm at Waterloo Oval.

For all other enquiries please contact:

Steve Driscoll on 0434 226 666 or s.driscoll@afrl.com.au

Joycelyn Pickering on 0400 657 240 or info@afrl.com.au