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Euros score star recruit
BRAD THOMPSON
29 Sep, 2010 12:00 AM
FORMER Cronulla Sharks John Viiga could be the man who makes the difference in Euros tilt at the Mount Isa Rugby Union premiership in 2010.
He might be switching codes, but there's no denying the 21-year-old's ability.
The powerful second rower made an inconspicuous appearance without fanfare after his debut against Warrigals in round one.
"I had the flu in the first game," he said.
"I tried to stay out there, but just couldn't."
But in round two against Keas, Viiga made sure his presence was felt handing out a number of strong hits and working hard to truck the ball forward.
Euros coach Tim Daniels said the man they call "JP" has been a handy addition to the line-up.
"He's fit in really well," he said.
"He already knew quite a few of the guys but he's shown that he will be a really good player for us, especially with his experience."
Viiga has ties with Cook Island players Zemic Patuwai, Nyron Paea and Maren Huntley, who lured him to Euros.
Already, Viiga admits to enjoying his time with Euros.
"They are a really good bunch of blokes to play with," he said.
Viiga spent two years playing with the Cronulla Sharks Toyota Cup side from 2008, before taking player of the year honours in 2009.
Even this year, he was still playing with the Sharks in their NSW Cup side.
But it was the money in the mines which lured Viiga to Mount Isa, and now he even admits to enjoying his time here so far.
"I'm liking it here, it's a lot better than I expected," he said. "I'll probably stay here for two years, I'll see how it goes. I just want to make some money and buy a house for my family."
Viiga made the move with his partner Melissa, and two children aged two and six months.
He labels Cronulla's Blake Fergusson as one of the best players he's played with, along with Penrith Panthers centre Michael Mate, who he played with as a junior.
Viiga has represented Cook Islands at the Pacific Nations Cup, which is held every two years.
He hasn't ruled out a return to rugby league, and will also be the big draw card when he steps out for the Devils in the Battle Of The Mines on October 16.
Source:http://www.northweststar.com.au/new...euros-score-star-recruit/1954684.aspx?src=rss
BRAD THOMPSON
29 Sep, 2010 12:00 AM
FORMER Cronulla Sharks John Viiga could be the man who makes the difference in Euros tilt at the Mount Isa Rugby Union premiership in 2010.
He might be switching codes, but there's no denying the 21-year-old's ability.
The powerful second rower made an inconspicuous appearance without fanfare after his debut against Warrigals in round one.
"I had the flu in the first game," he said.
"I tried to stay out there, but just couldn't."
But in round two against Keas, Viiga made sure his presence was felt handing out a number of strong hits and working hard to truck the ball forward.
Euros coach Tim Daniels said the man they call "JP" has been a handy addition to the line-up.
"He's fit in really well," he said.
"He already knew quite a few of the guys but he's shown that he will be a really good player for us, especially with his experience."
Viiga has ties with Cook Island players Zemic Patuwai, Nyron Paea and Maren Huntley, who lured him to Euros.
Already, Viiga admits to enjoying his time with Euros.
"They are a really good bunch of blokes to play with," he said.
Viiga spent two years playing with the Cronulla Sharks Toyota Cup side from 2008, before taking player of the year honours in 2009.
Even this year, he was still playing with the Sharks in their NSW Cup side.
But it was the money in the mines which lured Viiga to Mount Isa, and now he even admits to enjoying his time here so far.
"I'm liking it here, it's a lot better than I expected," he said. "I'll probably stay here for two years, I'll see how it goes. I just want to make some money and buy a house for my family."
Viiga made the move with his partner Melissa, and two children aged two and six months.
He labels Cronulla's Blake Fergusson as one of the best players he's played with, along with Penrith Panthers centre Michael Mate, who he played with as a junior.
Viiga has represented Cook Islands at the Pacific Nations Cup, which is held every two years.
He hasn't ruled out a return to rugby league, and will also be the big draw card when he steps out for the Devils in the Battle Of The Mines on October 16.
Source:http://www.northweststar.com.au/new...euros-score-star-recruit/1954684.aspx?src=rss
