Sport
18 January, 2024
Homecoming for numerous Yowies during Fijian trek
The Kilcoy Yowies relished their time in Fiji late last year as they played three games of rugby league in the Fijian Cup 9s competition.
The Yowies were among 16 men’s teams which came from a mix of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, with the Howick Hornets and Vusu Raiders eventually winning the competition.
Kilcoy’s opponents were the Saru Dragons, Namosi Highlanders and Ravoravo Rabbitohs, with the Yowies winning once.
As conditions were hot and humid, some of the players sustained sunburn before the carnival even began.
Thirteen players, coach Anthony Longbottom, manager Kate Power, a few families and some of the players’ partners made the trip which lasted for five nights, although some stayed longer due to having family in Fiji.
Yowies president Rob Fischer said afterwards, “Some of the team had the pleasure of visiting one of our players’ village(s) for the day which was an amazing experience.”
Kilcoy’s squad also included six extra faces from Fiji, with some of them having their first rugby league hit-out after coming from a rugby union background.
Fischer said any game time would benefit the Yowies and that the club continued to support everyone who wanted to be involved, even if they hadn’t played before.
Fischer said this “continues to be our main goal, of working as a team and involving all in the community”.
“The team just love to play and when the opportunity came up to visit some of our players’ home country and support their communities in Fiji, everyone jumped at it,” he said.
In addition to playing football, the Yowies had plenty of off-field activity including donating a kit to youngsters in the village and at the carnival.
There was also swimming at the beach, snorkelling and waterpark activities, and a dinner was held for all of the teams with fire dancing. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” Fischer said.
“Playing against the teams from Fiji was a pleasure, (and) they were all very inviting and happy to have us there.”
In the weeks following the Fijian tour, the Yowies finalised some of their roles for the coming season as Power remained as manager while Longbottom changed to assistant coach.
Ricky Smith was appointed head coach.
The Yowies are again set to play in the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) C grade competition, while the club is also seeking numbers for a women’s team.
Training sessions are held at Yowie Park from 6pm on Mondays and Thursdays, after this year’s training began on January 8.
