Seven Eels featured in the first round of the Pacific Championships over the weekend, with several impressive performances to report.
Junior Paulo led Samoa out to battle against the Kangaroos in Townsville and was typically strong. The Samoa captain made 120 run metres and 27 tackles, and led a spectacular rendition of the Siva Tau.
Paulo leads the Siva Tau
Daejarn Asi ran out alongside Paulo in his Test debut for Samoa. The Eels playmaker guided Samoa around the park in the no. 7 jersey, kicking 13 times for 443 metres.
Kennedy Cherrington reached her fifth Jillaroos cap as Australia earned a hard-fought win over the Kiwi Ferns. The Eels co-captain made an energetic appearance from the bench to help the Jillaroos to an entertaining 16-10 win.
NRLW trio Lindsay Tui, Tafao Asaua and Pihuka Berryman-Duff all impressed on their Test debuts for Samoa. Tui stood out with two tries in the win over Fiji, while Asaua made a statement by laying on a big hit.
Makahesi Makatoa made his eighth Test appearance for the Cook Islands in their match against Papua New Guinea, but suffered a match-ending injury early in the first half.
The Eels are set to feature more prominently in the upcoming round of Pacific Championships matches this weekend.
Dylan Brown and Wiremu Greig are set to meet Paulo and Asi in New Zealand’s clash with Samoa on Saturday, while Maika Sivo is expected to run out for Fiji on Sunday.
Will Penisini and the Tonga national team will also embark on their tour of England, as their tri-series kicks off in St Helens on Monday morning (AEDT).
