The mighty Marist Sports club has done it again. Yesterday, they were crowned Samoa Rugby League Christmas in the Park 9-a-side champions. Eight teams battled it out.
In the end, Marist emerged victorious. They defeated Vaimoso Giants, 28-10, in the final. Marist boosted by Toa Samoa stars Poni Vasa, Afa Lesa and Lepupa Taualagi proved too good.
SRL President Peter Paul said the tournament was a trial for the selection of the five local players to play in next year’s World Cup.
Teams were honoured yesterday, with the presence of Toa Samoa Trainer Apollo Perilini and captain Nigel Vagana.
Vagana told the Observer Sports he believes Samoa has abundant of rugby league raw power that needs to be developed.
“The talent is here and a lot of it, we just need to develop the sport and part of the development programme includes tournament such as this tournament,” he said.
“The main reason why me and Apollo came here is to promote the sport so that it can be developed,” Vagana said.