Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 51
How Fiji captured the hearts of all at RWC 2015
The Pacific Islanders treated us to some breathtaking rugby and won a lot of plaudits for their attacking play during the tournament. Here are some of their best bits.
Jarryd Hayne’s heartbreaking tribute to young Parramatta fan who died after cancer battle
Rest in peace legend. Parra's #1 fan @tufftimmy8 battled through the hard times with a smile. As his body lay to rest n spirit makes it way to heaven I want to send my love and prayers to the Jelacic family @nicolejelacic you and your husbands strength for your little man is courageous. Was a blessing to do what we could for the little man n to help with his bucketlist along with @tim_cahill @chriscahill_ @tim_mannah @theparraeels love n prays from America
Former NRL star and San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne has paid tribute to “Tough Timmy” Jelacic, a young Parramatta Eels fan who died this week after battling cancer.
The eight-year-old was diagnosed with epenymoma cancer when he was just two years old and spent much of his young life in and out of hospital for surgery and radiation as tumours continued to grow in his brain.
Timothy shared a birthday with Hayne and Eels veteran Tim Mannah, and was a huge Parramatta fan
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 announced
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2016 today. Five inductees were selected from a list of 25 finalists.
The Class of 2016 includes Charles "Charlie" Teetai Ane, Jr. (Samoan ancestry), Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (Hawaiian ancestry), Troy Polamalu (Samoan ancestry), Vai Sikahema (Tongan ancestry) as player inductees, and Albert “Al” Lolotai (Samoan ancestry) as a contributor.
The inductees were chosen by a selection committee made up of past head football coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawaii sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
The Class of 2016 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, scheduled for Jan. 29-30 on Oahu.…more
Manu Samoa Inspire a Generation
The Samoan Rugby Union squad are all too aware of the importance of their impact as a team and individuals on the youth of today. Here Stephen Betham and his team take time out from the World Cup to spend time with local students and share their thoughts about the importance of making a difference to young people at home.
This film was made by young people of The Reporters’ Academy, a media production company run by young people. Tasked with the mission of reporting behind the scenes of team Fiji, Tonga & Samoa across the Rugby World Cup.
Legends All Blacks Haka for Jerry Collins
Classic All Blacks haka in Toulon just after a very moving minute's silence for Jerry Collins and Alana Madill
Toulon have beaten an All Blacks legend team 68-21 in a memorial match for Jerry Collins. Great effort from both sides.
Johnathan Thurston Becomes One Of The Greats As Cowboys Win First NRL Grand Final
The North Queensland Cowboys have won the 2015 NRL Grand Final 17 to 16 in a thrilling showdown.
Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
In the first all-Queensland grand final in the NRL’s history, it was the Johnathan Thurston-driven Cowboys who defeated an aggressive and stubborn Brisbane Broncos.
Trailing the match 14-12 at half time, the Cowboys returned after the break to play-out an almost scoreless second half, but for the final minute.
Much of the attention before and after the match was on Cowboys’ captain Johnathan Thurston.
Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Thurston had officially won a grand final playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs, acting as a stand-in for injured Bulldog’s player Steve Price. Because of his few appearances in the Bulldog’s jersey, Thurston famously offered his premiership ring to Price - who refused to accept it.
As such, Thurston’s storied career, which has so far seen him be a part of a dominant Kangaroos squad and a record-setting Queensland State of Origin team, has always been pitched as one void of a grand final victory.…more
Joseph Parker vs. Kali Meehan
October 15, the brother Joseph Parker takes on Kali Meehan!
Who will take it out?
How will Joseph Parker cope against the reigning Super 8 champion Kali Meehan...
Plus the Buttabean rematch, welterweight wonder Jeff Horn and KO King Izu Ugonoh
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Samoa team banned from fast food
Samoan management have banned it's players from eating at the McDonald's and KFC restaurants near their hotel.
Even though their Tongan brothers were taken under the wing of their local Nando's, the Samoan team unfortunately will have to make do without the fast-food until after the tournament.
Flyhalf Tusi Pisi said: "All I can see are the fast food restaurants across the road (but) coach barred us from there."
Tonga on the other hand visited Nando's 10 days in a row, with some players going more than once a day - making the restaurant in Exeter their second home.
"The team, which has been based in Exeter, Devon, got ready for their second game of the tournament with several peri-peri binges" reported The Mirror.
This news follows reports of the Candian team eating the World Cup organisers out of house and home, when the team's kitchen staff had to scramble to get more food after consuming 22lbs of roast beef in 15mins.
This is Lima Sopoaga (lululemon)
A story about the extremities of being an athlete and the sport of rugby. Despite injury and disappointment, the love for the game will triumph every single time. This is Lima Sopoaga.
Hayne hits the streets of Adelaide!
Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
Is it a Flying Fijian?!
NO!
ITS THE HAYNE TRAIN....?!
Youtube Comedy Duo The Royal Stampede impersonate Aussie NFL player - Jarryd Hayne, hitting up the public with the NFL skills of the former NRL superstar in this hilarious clip!