The rugby league World Cup comes to the south west this Saturday when Campbelltown Sports Stadium hosts Tonga and Cook Islands in a winner take all qualifier.
Tonga and Cook Islands both need to win to keep their World Cup hopes alive because there is just one spot left.
Six teams from Asia/Pacific will compete in the 2017 tournament and five – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea – have already qualified.
The Cook Islands previously competed at the 2000 and 2013 World Cups, producing their best result in 2013 when they defeated tournament co-host Wales.
Coached by former New Zealand International Alex Chan, the Cook Island squad features a mix of established first graders, National Youth Competition stars and park footballers.
Returning from the 2013 World Cup squad are Jordan Rapana, Drury Low, Anthony Gelling, Adam Tangata, Tupou Sopoaga and Tinirau Arona.
Notable exclusions include Dominique Peyroux, Keith Lulia, Johnathon Ford, Isaac John, Dylan Napa, Sam Mataora, Zeb Taia and Brad Takairangi.
Tonga has competed in the last four World Cup tournaments without success, but this year the team have great strength and experience with Jorge Taufua (Sea Eagles), Mahe Fonua (Storm), Peni Terepo (Eels), Sika Manu (Panthers), Manu Ma’u (Eels), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Ukuma Ta’ai (Giants), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Panthers), Leilani Latu (Panthers) and David Fifita (Sharks) all named.
They will also enjoy a huge size advantage in their forward pack, with Sika Manu and David Fifita selected in the train-on squad.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Hawker, said it would be a huge night of football at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, and with activities for the kids and live entertainment, there would be something for all the family to enjoy.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It will be rugby league at its best as these two teams vie for a place in the World Cup,” Cr Hawker said.[/social_quote]
“I think it will be a close game and will certainly highlight some exciting and entertaining young players.
“The Pacific communities are passionate about football, so I’m sure both teams will bring their best game and put in a do or die performance,” Cr Hawker said.
Gates will open at 4pm with a two curtain raisers before the main game, including a fun and friendly match between the West Tigers and St Helens (UK) development squads.
Tickets will be available at the gate and entry is via Leumeah Road only, due to the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer event taking place at the adjacent athletics complex.
A family ticket (two adults and up to three children) will cost $20, an adult ticket is $10, and concession card holders and children under 16 can enter for $5.
There will also be a free, pre-game fan day from 5.30pm this Wednesday, October 14, at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, with rugby clinics for the kids and a chance to meet players from both the Cook Islands and Tonga teams.
For more information, contact Campbelltown City Council’s Leisure Services team on 4645 4000.
♦ SNAPSHOT …
WHAT: 2017 Rugby League World Cup Pacific Qualifier;
WHO: Tonga versus Cook Islands;
WHEN: 7.30pm Saturday, October 17;
WHERE: Campbelltown Sports Stadium
