Juniors Hog it

HELENSVALE coach Tonga Lea’aetoa says “quick fix” solutions are harming rival Gold Coast District Rugby Union clubs – and he’s putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to a focus on development.

Lea’aetoa sat out the Hogs’ 94-0 demolition job of Bond Pirates last Saturday and was not in the starting side for their Round 1 loss to Surfers Paradise the previous weekend.

The former Tongan international prop revealed he is no certainty to return any time soon despite being available.

“I’m going to keep fit but if the boys are playing well then I probably won’t deserve my position,” he said.

“If you put in the work and you deserve to be there, then you are going to be there.”

The Hogs have been keen to primarily push their homegrown and junior talent over recruiting stars and believe it’s a mindset that differs from some other clubs.

It comes after a brutal weekend of lopsided scorelines of 94-0, 38-0 and 31-0 in the three first grade games.

“As a whole Gold Coast community, we should be trying to develop our talent but I think a lot of clubs are looking for a quick fix to problems and it is just affecting the way the clubs are being run,” Lea’aetoa said. “But I think for me personally at Helensvale, we are trying to build a culture that is going to last.

“When I’m gone, the guys there are going to take over the culture and keep bringing these players through.”

Lea’aetoa said the Hogs have no shortage of up-andcomers. “If you come down on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, there’s like four or five fields of juniors everywhere,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to keep them in the game and nurture them through.”

The Hogs face Palm Beach Currumbin at Beaudesert tomorrow as part of Country Round celebrations.