DES PROUD OF ALOIAI FOR PEACE OF HIS MIND

MANLY coach Des Hasler says the Sea Eagles are “very proud” of forward Josh Aloiai for taking a stand against gang violence in the wake of Monday’s fatal stabbing at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

After 17-year-old father-to-be Uati ‘Pele’ Faletolu was killed, Aloiai issued a desperate plea to young Pacific Islanders.

“Islanders are assaulting and killing other islanders in the streets. Often kids. Our very own people! Where have we lost our identity?” he wrote on Instagram.

On Friday, Hasler said his admired Aloiai for speaking up so passionately.

“The club’s proud,” he said.

“Josh understands that he’s in a position not only as an athlete, but as a father and a parent, to be seen to be taking that stance and being able to actively do something about it.

“Because he’s been through it. He knows the background so he knows exactly what he’s talking about.

“Rugby league is really fortunate to have people like Josh.”

Hasler also applauded Panthers winger Brian To’o, who showed his support for Faletolu’s loved ones on social media.

“It’s great that you have individuals very within the game like Josh and Brian, and others I’m sure, who stand up and take that responsibility,” Hasler said.

“It’s just fantastic.”

The Sea Eagles are set to welcome highly rated young gun Tolutau Koula back into the 17 for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans.

Koula replaces Morgan Harper, who has contracted Covid-19, and will provide Manly with a strike weapon on the left edge.

“He’s got that little bit of surprise about him. He’s very quick, he’s got that turn of speed,” Hasler said.

“He’s that type of player where things happen around him. He can certainly create something. He’s got tremendous speed and pace to complement that.” The Sea Eagles have been working to improve their defensive game this season and are reaping the rewards.

Manly has conceded only two tries across its last two games. Hasler said the Sea Eagles would need to be on their game against an offensively potent side in the Titans, who boast wrecking ball David Fifita. “I think you’ve got to make sure that defensively you’ve got all bases covered,” he said.

“That’s really important. There’s just the simple things in defence that we need to be good at.”