Well it finally happened for Tonga. They have had men’s team in every edition of Harmony Cup, and have fallen in the semi-finals so many times it was beginning to be a case of, would it ever happen? Yet after continuing to push, they made the big dance and were not overawed. Against Hawaiki Roa, often their nemesis, they finally reached the pinnacle and deserved their win.
From Great Britain to Samoa, teams competed for their heritage and pride in their jersey and the community. It was a great display of rugby league ability and out of the 600 seniorplayers across the weekend, we have come up with 18 players. 9 men and 9 women to feature in the sides of the tournament.
And although there were many players who could be picked in both sides from all the men’s teams, the votes and opinions have been tallied and would like to present the NRL WA Harmony Cup 9 Men’s team of the tournament. It is the 6th edition of this selection and there are some amazing players on this list.
The Men’s side, is obviously only a few peoples opinions, and can only be picked from Men’s Open, and while there could be 50 names on this list, there had to be some people left out, but without further ado, see the below –
1. Iziah Lolohea – Papeliane O’ Tonga – Tonga
May as well start with the obvious ones. Iziah, or Izzy as he is affectionately known, was a handful for everyone on the weekend. Blessed with speed, vision and footwork that would leave defenders clutching at air, Izzy was a ball of youthful energy for the Tongans over the course of the weekend. A humble young man with a huge future, the sky is the limit for this young superstar.
2. Tyler Moeau – Hawaiki Roa – Maori
An absolute monster and handful with the ball, Tyler is all power and movement. A rugged ball runner who takes multiple defenders to stop him, he is energetic and always full of energy. A real competitor, he spent the year in Karratha working, but it didn’t seem to stop his ability to play some serious rugby league. While not a noted defender, his speed and fighting nature made him a reliable defender.
3. Lewis Goodsell – Aussie Bushrangers – Aussies
A surprise to some, but Lewis has been gaining admirers all year at the Fremantle Roosters. A confident and capable playmaker, his eyes up play, combined with a good kicking game and steady passing play made him a no brainer. Leading the Bushrangers around all weekend with ease, they struggled without their main playmaker on the field in games.
4. Saimoni Qaranivalu – RLSWA – Samoa – 2nd Selection
The focal point of RLSWA’s attack, he setup multiple tries with his footwork, evasive skills and acceleration over the weekend. While not the most powerful ball runner, his general size and ability to beat defenders one on one make him a dreadful mark for most defenders. With a goosestep and a stop go that would embarrass elite defenders, “Monny” is an easy selection
5. Taniela Vi – Papeliane ‘O Tonga – Tonga – 2nd Selection – Captain
One of the best leaders over the weekend, “Nela” isn’t as flashy as some of his counterparts. While not possessing fancy footwork or breakneck speed, he has all the tenacity you could ever want in a player. With an ultra high workrate, and smart rugby league IQ, he just knows where to be on the field on both sides of the ball. Popping up in attack and defence, Nela is as close to a complete player you will find.
6. Manihera Eden – Hawaiki Roa – Maori – 2nd Selection
Manihera Eden isn’t as quick as he once was, but what he has lost in acceleration he makes up with in smarts these days. Still a nightmare to tackle one on one, his strength in his hips and through his base makes him a horror to take on in contact. With brilliant balance, a great passing game and an ability to always beat the first man, Eden was a beacon and offensive weapon for Roa over the weekend.
7. Jaylen Grey – Brothers United – Indigenous
He has come close on a couple of occasions, being beaten out for this spot by his team mates, but this time Grey gets the nod for the Indigenous side. Fast and strong, “Skinny” is all acceleration and power in a short distance, and while he is fast, his strength is beating defenders in close, and making people miss in contact. A devastating finisher, who scores tries with half a sniff, he is a logical choice for this side.
8. Korbyn Bell – Ngapuhi – Maori
A rugged defender, with silky ball skills for a bigger man, Korbyn has no fear out there. Quicker than he looks with great feet, he can mix it easily with the forwards with power, and mark backs out wide, which makes him the perfect 9 a side middle. Able to deliver a beautiful pass as well as bump the ball up without fear, Korbyn led Ngapuhi to the final 6 in their first go in the Men’s division.
9. Brent Crisp – Brothers United – Indigenous
The last spot goes to the man affectionately known as “Crispy” and he beats out a host of others for the spot. Brent is not just the full package. He can defend backs and forwards, and possesses a natural ability to beat defenders. But he is an on field general in the middle of the field. A great communicator, he has the ability to link both sides of the field together with his passing and positional play.
Coach – Paasi Fine – Papeliane ‘O Tonga – Tonga
Paasi has been a long time player, support, organiser and believer of Tonga since the very beginning of Harmony Cup. So it is a bit of a fairytale for Paasi who must be pinching himself. More of a “man-manager” then strategist, he got the Tongan boys to believe in themselves, and continue to push the envelope even after losing pool games to Roa and Indigenous. A true patron for Tonga and believer in what Harmony Cup does, he gets the nod here over other coaches in Edwards and Burns.
Congratulations to all the above, but again this list could have had 100 players on it. Well done to all players over the weekend, and we hope to see you back in Harmony Cup 10.
| Men’s Harmony Cup 9 Team Of Tournament | ||
| Name | Team | |
| 1 | Iziah Lolohea | Papeliane ‘O Tonga |
| 2 | Tyler Moeau | Hawaiki Roa |
| 3 | Lewis Goodsell | Aussie Bushrangers |
| 4 | Saimoni Qaranivalu | RLSWA |
| 5 | Taniela Vi | Papeliane ‘O Tonga |
| 6 | Manihera Eden | Hawaiki Roa |
| 7 | Jaylen Grey | Brothers United |
| 8 | Korbyn Bell | Ngapuhi |
| 9 | Brent Crisp | Brothers United |
| C | Paasi Fine | Papeliane ‘O Tonga |