Pasifika tournament an eye-opener for duo
Sualo Lafoga and Jayga Tui prefer to let their actions do the talking on the league field.
The Southland Girls’ High School duo recently took part in the Pacific Youth Cup, an under-18 rugby league tournament for Pasifika and Māori players, which was spread across five days in Auckland.
Before the games started, there was a training camp that featured talented players from across New Zealand, and some from overseas.
Both players loved the chance to step outside their comfort zone and experience something new, with Sualopart of the tournament-winning Samoan side, and Jayga representing Niue, who finished third.
“It was really good. It was a good experience for us going to an event like that,” Sualo said.
They managed to face off on the field with Sualo’s Samoan team taking the spoils.
Jayga said the talent on display was an eye-opener.
“It’s definitely different down here to what we saw in Auckland – the talent, the learnings they do to prepare themselves and the preparation. The level was such a big step. It was good playing with them as we learned lots and got the chance to improve. You could see up there they had more people at trainings and people who just played league, and that really stood out for us.”
The duo both 16, who are best mates off the field, said the tournament was definitely a different experience for them as there was much more hype and energy around than they had previously experienced.
It’s a sport they picked up when they were year 5 students and they started out playing against the boys, before transitioning to girls league over the past few seasons as numbers have increased.
Tonga, Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands and New Zealand Māori all competed in the tournament.
For Sualo, winning the tournament by beating New Zealand Māori by two points was a surreal feeling.
“It was really good. We had such a good bunch of girls. It felt great to win.”
Sualo played in the backs and was tasked with scoring tries, while Jayga did the hard grunt playing in the second row for Niue.
“Playing alongside some of the best players our age in the country was a real eye opening experience,” Sualo said.
Jayga added, “You learn new things and there’s more and more opportunities now.”
Games were on Sky Sport and the duo loved playing at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe. The pair play rugby and touch as well, and both say league is an easier game to pick up for new people as it is more straightforward.
“It’s like a combined sport as we play rugby and touch as well, so our skills from those are useful in league,” Jayga said.
“We recommend league for anyone new wanting to give a sport, that’s pretty easy to pick up, a go,” Sualo said.
“It’s great fun, especially going to a tournament like that. Do it. It’s a really fun sport when you get used to it.”