Ratu in Charge of Strong Residents Side
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Counties Manukau coach Rod Ratu has been assigned to guide the NZ Residents side against NZ Maori Invitation later this
month.
Ratu’s appointment caps 12 months in which he has achieved success at all levels of domestic rugby league.
In 2015, he steered the NZ Secondary Schools Selection to victory over NSW Combined High Schools and then the Stingrays
to the NZRL National Premiership title over Canterbury Bulls.
Ratu also had the reins of the NZ 18s last year, and in 2016 he lead the Southern Cross Campus to the NZRL National
Secondary Schools crown and then returned Counties to last night’s premiership final, before ultimately bowing to
Akarana Falcons.
This latest role marks another opportunity for him to expand his coaching CV.
“It’s definitely a step up,” admits Ratu. “Looking at the list of players available, there’s a lot of experience there.
“But it will be a challenging campaign in terms of getting them to play to their potential.
“This is an important programme for grassroots footy and providing a pathway for senior players. It’s an opportunity for
them to prove they’re ready to go on to bigger and better things.”
Ratu’s appointment shows the residents programme is not just a pathway for players, but also for team staff. He will be
assisted by Canterbury Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi.
“Rod has invested significant time across the game in New Zealand and deserves this chance to test himself at the next
level,” says NZRL high performance general manager Brent Gemmell.
The 18-man NZ Residents squad, named after last night’s national premiership final, is:
Uila Aiolupo (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Tevin Arona (Canterbury Bulls), Chris Bamford (Canterbury Bulls), James
Baxendale (Canterbury Bulls), Jethro Friend (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Roman Hifo (Counties Manukau Stingrays),
Tevita Latu (Akarana Falcons), Paulos Latu (Counties Manukau Stingrays), Phil Nati (Canterbury Bulls), Alan Niulevu
(Counties Manukau Stingrays), Siua Otunuku (Akarana Falcons), Daniel Palavi (Akarana Falcons), Eddie Purcell (Akarana
Falcons), Nick Read (Waikato), Tevita Satae (Akarana Falcons), Nathan Saumalu (Canterbury Bulls), Matthew Sauni
(Canterbury Bulls), Raymond Talimalie (Counties Manukau Stingrays)
NZ Residents will face NZ Maori Invitation at Huntly’s Davies Park on Saturday, October 15.