Battle for spots in Brisbane 10s

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 15 January 2017, 12:00AM

The battle for spots in the national 10s team was an intense one at the Apia Park.

Over 40 players vied for a spot in the training squad.

Since early December, the S.R.U has been cultivating , educating and finessing the skills of local players all culminating to this very moment. 

The players were separated into two teams and battled it out on the pitch, leaving nothing behind.   

 Head Coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia said the turnout and effort on the pitch was outstanding.  

This round of trials provided an interesting mix of local and international players who’ve finally arrived on shore to participate in the trials.  

Samoa’s team is starting to piece together nicely as more experienced players put their hands up for their country.  

Some of the internationally recognized players who’ve turned out for the trials were Manu Samoa’s, Danny Tusitala, Greg Foe, Jeff Lepa, D’Angelo Leuila, and Ope Peleseuma. 

Also coming up the ranks is Manu Samoa former U20 Championship Capitan, Jared Adams as well as many players who were on the championship team.

“Its great to see that a lot of those young players committed to the cause and come back to play for the blue jersey, very early in the year, which is a good indiction for us moving forward,” the coach said.

The official training squad is expected to be announced this week.

The selected players will then undergo an intense three weeks of training before the final selection. 

However, Namulauulu is keen to include some of the Manu Samoa Seven’s players in the line up.  With the HSBC Wellington leg finishing at the end of January, the Sevens players are eligible to participate in the 10’s in February.  

“Form Dependent. That was always the case because the Sevens circuit finishes before the Brisbane 10’s.  It’s an oppurtunity to put all our best players in both campaigns  to put their hand up.  That oppurtunity  is given to the sevens boys and we’ve got an understanding with the Sevens management along that. We’ll be staying aligned along the form of their players.  Obviously, we’ll keep an eye on our group here. “

Samoa’s official 10’s team will be announced the last weekend of January and will depart to Brisbane February the 2nd.  

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 15 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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