PHL Carabaos debut in Australian rugby league

Just as the Philippines made waves in football with the "Azkals," another team named after a local Philippine animal is looking to establish itself, this time in Australia's rugby league.

 

The Philippine Carabao team, whose 17 members are of Filipino descent, is the first Philippine team to participate in the Australian national rugby league.

 

"The players proudly wore their jerseys with the colors of the Philippine flag on their first outing at the one-day Rugby League tournament held at the Cabramatta New Era Stadium, New South Wales on February 4," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

 

It added that the players come from across Australia, including New South Wales, Canberra and Queensland.

 

Team captain Luke Srama banners a squad that includes Jason Bedford, Matthew Bedford, Rene Payne, Brian West, Rez Philips, Fred Collina, Ned Stephenson, Jake Smith, Mark Lozano, Steven Bernstrom, Richard Goodwin, Will Corning, Ronald Pena, Graem Stevens, Scott Sandaga and Greg Power.

 

The team is coached by Clayton Watene and assisted by Mark de Ubago.

 

A DFA news release said the team is registered with the Rugby League International Federation under the name Philippine National Rugby League (PNRL).

 

The Carabaos' first opponents included Team Fiji in the first round and Portugal in the quarterfinals.

 

It prevailed over Team Portugal, then over Team Burwood in the finals.

 

PNRL Team Manager Greg Cross and PNRL Secretary Erick Elefante said that from a stable of six players in 2011, the team grew to 17.

 

Cross and Elefante told Philippine Consul General Anne Louis the team will continue to promote the sport among the youth, not only in Australia, but also in the Philippines by coordinating with rugby squads, school-based organizations and the PNP rugby league team.

 

Representatives from the Filipino community and the Philippine media joined Louis, Consul Marford Angeles and the parents of the players in cheering for the team on their way to a rousing finish.

 

The PNRL officials were pleased with the squad's debut performance and promised more exciting matches as soon as the team's game schedules are finalized. — AD/RSJ, GMA News