Rugby League 2022 International Tests

callmack1

callmack1

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Manu mammoth as Kiwis get the better of Tonga: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/25/manu-mammoth-as-kiwis-get-the-better-of-tonga/

'One of the best I've seen' - Manu enters record books with monster effort: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/25...anu-enters-record-books-with-monster-effort2/

Nofoaluma scores four as Samoa cruise to beat Cook Islands: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/25/nofoaluma-scores-four-as-samoa-cruise-to-beat-cook-islands/

Mead bows out in style as Kumuls down Bati: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/25/mead-bows-out-in-style-as-kumuls-down-bati/
 
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callmack1

callmack1

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Oh man whatta night last night!!

That was something truly special that I have never experienced before.

Being at the first game back in NZ in a packed-out Mt Smart was something else! A sea of red and the Tongan's certainly outnumbered us Kiwi fans, but it was so cool! They are hands down the most passionate and respectful fans in the game, cheering for both teams. But the sound that was generated in that Stadium during the war cries and when Tonga scored was simply incredible, some people around me were blocking their ears haha.

Certainly sent shivers down my spine and it's something I'll never forget. Just such a cool experience.

On top of that, I got to meet many players from both teams and chat to them before the game as they came out near the tunnel to watch the women's. Had a chat to Keaon, Junior, Ben Hornby (part of the Tongan staff) and the other assistant coach with glasses who is always in the coaches box (anyone know his name because I don't?). I was wearing my members cap and a Souths member in NZ isn't something you see every day in NZ so I think they were a bit taken aback and were happy to chat. They were all great to talk to. Hornby in particular said the boys are all very embarrassed by what happened last week and that they are extremely fired up now because they know our Season will slip away if we don't pull our fingers out. He also confirmed 100% that Latrell will be back against Parra.

I also got the chance to finally meet Madge and thank him for everything he did for us!!

So it's fair to say I'm buzzing after last night, won't be wiping the smile off my face anytime soon!
 
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callmack1

callmack1

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In terms of our Souths' boys performances, I thought Liva was solid for Tonga but Junior and Keaon were pretty quiet.

Made it to a pub in time to catch the second half of Samoa vs Cook Islands and the full game between Fiji and PNG. How good were our Rabbitohs in these ones?!

Jaxson in particular shone I thought. Yes, it was against weaker opposition but he still really stood up and looked a star! Set up two tries with flick passes, a couple of try-saving tackles in the second half and an intercept try. Well done Jax!!

Great to see Davvy get his first international try, Taane was a bit of a star at lock (could that be his new position moving forward?) and AJ was a real leader out there for PNG. One of their best.

Awesome night, how good is International Footy?!
 
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Rabbits 21

Rabbits 21

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That’s so awesome mate stoked for ya.

Did you say anything to Keaon or Junior?
 
Raboriginal

Raboriginal

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callmack1 said:
Oh man whatta night last night!!

That was something truly special that I have never experienced before.

Being at the first game back in NZ in a packed-out Mt Smart was something else! A sea of red and the Tongan's certainly outnumbered us Kiwi fans, but it was so cool! They are hands down the most passionate and respectful fans in the game, cheering for both teams. But the sound that was generated in that Stadium during the war cries and when Tonga scored was simply incredible, some people around me were blocking their ears haha.

Certainly sent shivers down my spine and it's something I'll never forget. Just such a cool experience.

On top of that, I got to meet many players from both teams and chat to them before the game as they came out near the tunnel to watch the women's. Had a chat to Keaon, Junior, Ben Hornby (part of the Tongan staff) and the other assistant coach with glasses who is always in the coaches box (anyone know his name because I don't?). I was wearing my members cap and a Souths member in NZ isn't something you see every day in NZ so I think they were a bit taken aback and were happy to chat. They were all great to talk to. Hornby in particular said the boys are all very embarrassed by what happened last week and that they are extremely fired up now because they know our Season will slip away if we don't pull our fingers out. He also confirmed 100% that Latrell will be back against Parra.

I also got the chance to finally meet Madge and thank him for everything he did for us!!

So it's fair to say I'm buzzing after last night, won't be wiping the smile off my face anytime soon!
Click to expand...
The crowd looked awesome on TV, you would have thought it was a Tongan home game. I was lucky enough to go to an Australia vs Samoa game years ago and it was honestly one the best experiences sitting with Samoan fans.
 
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Rabbits 21

Rabbits 21

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Raboriginal said:
The crowd looked awesome on TV, you would have thought it was a Tongan home game. I was lucky enough to go to an Australia vs Samoa game years ago and it was honestly one the best experiences sitting with Samoan fans.
Click to expand...
Yes they’re so passionate
 
callmack1

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Kangaroos spots 'up for grabs' as 'important' Origin decider set to be big audition: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/e584e50e4e92a4f61929580cd2ee82c6

International window to capitalise on game's x-factor - Abdo: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/29/international-window-to-capitalise-on-games-x-factor-abdo/

Rabbits 21 said:
That’s so awesome mate stoked for ya.

Did you say anything to Keaon or Junior?
Click to expand...
Sorry for the late reply but yea bro, had a chat to both.

I asked both if we were going to make the finals and they both said we certainly would. They both kinda said the boys were shattered after that Dragons game and have had meeting since about 'drawing a line in the sand' and getting us back on track. Junior in particular said the boys are fired up now and know the situation we're in.

I asked Keaon about plans on how and when they were flying back to Australia and the process of preparing for the Eels.

Mentioned to both that I was a Souths member and they seemed stoked to know there was a fair few members over here. Keaon was asking where I was from and why I started supporting Souths.

Didn't chat for super long but both were great to talk to and very giving with the time they had.

Stoked to have met them!

Raboriginal said:
callmack1 callmack1 I reckon your boys are in with a real shot for the world cup this year, best Kiwi side I've seen in a long time.
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Agreed!! I was saying that during the week and I hope you're right! Would be amazing for the game over here.
 
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S J

S J

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callmack1 said:
Kangaroos spots 'up for grabs' as 'important' Origin decider set to be big audition: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/e584e50e4e92a4f61929580cd2ee82c6

International window to capitalise on game's x-factor - Abdo: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/06/29/international-window-to-capitalise-on-games-x-factor-abdo/


Sorry for the late reply but yea bro, had a chat to both.

I asked both if we were going to make the finals and they both said we certainly would. They both kinda said the boys were shattered after that Dragons game and have had meeting since about 'drawing a line in the sand' and getting us back on track. Junior in particular said the boys are fired up now and know the situation we're in.

I asked Keaon about plans on how and when they were flying back to Australia and the process of preparing for the Eels.

Mentioned to both that I was a Souths member and they seemed stoked to know there was a fair few members over here. Keaon was asking where I was from and why I started supporting Souths.

Didn't chat for super long but both were great to talk to and very giving with the time they had.

Stoked to have met them!


Agreed!! I was saying that during the week and I hope you're right! Would be amazing for the game over here.
Click to expand...

Some of the Pacific teams are looking good.
 
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Raboriginal

Raboriginal

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S J said:
I quite like the mid year tests and the NRL break. I know many don't.
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I love it, one of my favourite rounds of the year. I hope the NRL decide to keep it moving forward, I doubt they will though.
 
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