Vanuatu E: [email protected] P: + 678 7712724 P: + 61 410 575 164

ATTN: All media organisations RE: Vanuatu Side Announcement

Hi all,

The Vanuatu Rugby League is pleased to announce the very first Vanuatu national rugby league side to play an international fixture against Greece on October 20th in Port Vila.

The extended 24 man train-on squad has been selected after trials conducted in Port Vila over the past 6 months and players currently playing in overseas competitions such as the NRL and QLD Cup in and New Zealand. Amongst the notable inclusions are current NRL stars Justin O’Neill ( Storm) and Alehana Mara (NZ Warriors). Also in the squad is veteran QLD Cup player James Wood () who hails from Malo and up-and-coming stars Joe and Jake Meninga, nephews of the famous , with their ancestry from Tanna. Local players in the squad include Kunro Kalo (Ovins), Patrick August (Vate Bulldogs), Jason Pakoasongi (Aelan Warriors), Kalpart Steedman (Police) and Nelson Law (Tatoko).

Dane Campbell will assume the head coach role and will be assisted by former well known NRL players Rhys Wesser and Ken Nagas.

Although only established in September 2011, the VRL has taken significant steps forwards in the development of the game in the capital Port Vila and the game against Greece will be used to further gain public support and raise awareness of rugby league throughout the whole nation.

Discussions are ongoing in regards to the venue for the game, with an announcement to be made over the coming week.

The full squad can be found on next page of this document.

Any questions relating to this document should be forwarded to [email protected] or contact Dane Campbell on + 61 410 575 164 or Tom Carlo + 678 554 1002.

Regards,

Dane Campbell Vanuatu Rugby League

Vanuatu Rugby League E: [email protected] P: + 678 7712724 P: + 61 410 575 164

PLAYER CLUB ORIGIN Javarn White Banks Patrick August Vate Bulldogs Efate James Wood Tweed Heads Seagulls Malo Justin O'Neill Port Olry, Santo Paul O'Neill Brothers Port Olry, Santo Ben Henaway Easts Tigers Tanna Josh Henaway Noosa Pirates Tanna Nelson Law Tatoko Efate Joe Meninga Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Tanna Jake Meninga Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Tanna Emosi Ugavule Suva Tanna Alehana Mara Efate Samuela Loaloadravu Yenda Blueheelers Efate Kunro Kalo Ovins Shepherds John Nash Noosa Pirates Epi & Tongoa Jason Pakoasongi Aelan Warriors Tongoa Samsen O'Neill North Cowboys Port Olry Apisai Loaloadravu Yenda Blueheelers Efate Kalpart Steedman Police Port Vila Tanna Josh Tanner Central Capras Tanna Sam Pierce Central Capras Tanna Zachariah Blair Norths RU Epi Alex Marango Randwick RU Tongoa Herbie Henderson Central QLD Santo