Costin to develop local players
Anew journey has started where local-based rugby league players are now introduced to a professional environment.
Vodafone Fijian Bati and Fijian Resident’s head coach Brandon Costin told SUNsports yesterday they have put in place a process for local-based players to follow.
Costin was speaking after the Fijian Residents walloped the Tongan Residents side 56-28 to win the Series at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.
“This the first time for me to coach a side made up of local players,” he said.
“It’s a process where (local) players are put in a professional environment. It’s the first time for all of them. There is a process in place for this.”
Costin said he’s looking forward to the October 10 clash where the Residents will come up against the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII. “And also next year’s New South Wales (NSW) Cup where they are going to playing against NRL (National Rugby League) players.
“Being able to adapt to such professionalism will also help the local players when it comes to getting contracts with overseas clubs.”
The Apakuki Tavodi-captained side led 28-6 at halftime.
They spun the ball out wide and scored two quick tries in the 2nd minute to winger Pio Seci, which was not converted, and again in the 5th minute to Atueta Guivalu with Seci adding the extras as they led 10-0.
The Tongans hit back in 10th minute with a try to Bruce Folau with the conversion going over as they narrowed the deficit 10-6.
The Fijians upped the tempo with Tavodi, Luke Nadurutalo, Jowasa Drodrolagi and Maika Serulevu making some big runs.
Then in the 27th minute Apimeleki Lutuimawi squeezed over the corner to score the third try with Seci’s conversion making it 16-6.
Enterprising play by the Fijians saw nippy fullback Apisai Lomani cross the tryline followed by a Rupeni Korosaya special in the dying moments of the half with Seci’s conversions going over for a 28-6 handy lead.
It was all Fiji in the second spell with Seci and Lomani scoring two tries each while Maika Tudravu and Nadurutalo scoring a try each. Tonga’s Lapetu Havea scored three tries while Pita Maluefeti scored a try.