Residents Lacked Direction: Coach

The Fijian Bati Residents rugby league side fought back to beat Tonga 16-10 in their second Test at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Residents head coach Brendon Costin said despite the win the side lacked proper direction and leadership among their playmakers.

“I think it’s the hardest thing in rugby league to back up the performance from the same old opposition,” Costin said.

“We will sort that out before the final round this Saturday. And no matter how much we talk about it that Tonga is going to be a different team, it is always hard to get into your head that we not going win by the same point’s margin as the previous game.

“I think Tonga obviously did their homework and they tried to slow everything down which worked for them but the hardest thing in rugby league is to back up the performance.

“We need to get these players play more games especially once the New South Wales cup comes in next year, we will need to have higher intensity training camps to keep up the performance from these players.”

Costin said he’s looking forward to October 10 where they will play the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII.

“We’ve set goals in the first two rounds and the final one is on Saturday and I believe we can’t just turn up and expect victory on game day

as we will need to work really hard and respect the opposition.” Tongan head coach Sione Tukuafu was pleased to be part of the programme as it enabled the development of his players.

“I think the boys did their best as it is a great learning experience for

them which is part our development programme,” Tukuafu said

“This is a great opportunity for our players to enhance and develop their skills.

One of the major drawbacks from the match today is to maintain a good game structure which fell

short at most times and we hope to improve that in the final round.”|

WOMEN’S LAUNCH

Also before the game saw the unveiling of the Fiji Women’s rugby league team logo and name. The women’s team will be called Bulikula.

The Fijian Bulikula will take on Papua New Guinea Orchids on June 22 in the inaugural Oceania Cup at Leichardt Oval, Sydney.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua