October 10, 2009
Air Pacific Australian Fijians lose to Maoris in Development Cup final.

The Australian Fijians U/16’s team was beaten in the final of the NSWRL Development Cup by the NSW Maoris 22 – 0 at Western Weekender Stadium.

After surviving the toughest pool in the tournament which saw them defeat the Maoris in those rounds followed then by a shock defeat at the hands of the Cook Islands, the Australian Fijians were then matched in the semi finals against the Indigenous Team that were yet to taste defeat all day.

A rousing 10 – 0 win saw the Australian Fijians storm in to the final with the opportunity to claim back to back titles in the competitions first two years.

The quick turnaround in matches took its toll on the young Fijians with the Maoris racing to a 18 – 0 lead after seven minutes. Although the team tried valiantly to get back in the game they were well beaten by a hot NSW Maori outfit with the final Maori try of the game making it 22 – 0.

Australian Fijians coach Shane Millard was proud of his team’s efforts and although back to baack titles would have been nice being back to back grand finalists was an effort the AFRL should be very proud of.

“We were beaten by a hot side in the final and without making excuses we just had nothing left after the semi with the Indigenous team. To make the Grand Final two years running in what is a real tough competition is a phenomenal effort and is testament to the culture that the AFRL breeds amongst its staff and players from the u/16’s right through to the senior team. Most people thought we were gone after the Cooks game and rightly so. But our boys were able to bounce back and go through to the final two years running which is an achievement we can all be very proud of.”

Louis Meehan son of AFRL membership ambassador Kali Meehan starred for the team and was voted Player’s Player by his peers.