PLAYERS from different teams came together to celebrate the growth of rubgy league in the south-west on Saturday.
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Limestone Coast Rugby League grand finalists Warrnambool Raiders and Naracoorte Jets invited players from other clubs, including Gunditjmara Bulls, into a post-game huddle at Deakin University.
Raiders captain Courage Hukatai, whose team lost 32-30 after a last-minute Jets’ try, said it was pleasing to see the camaraderie between the opposing sides.
“We’ve had a lot of interest throughout Warrnambool and also other little towns like Colac, Woorndoo, Mortlake,” he said.
“It’s just good to see people are interested in and also like the game of rugby league.”
Hukatai said the large crowd which travelled to Warrnambool was also a positive for the competition.
“I’m very stoked with everyone’s families and people travelling down from Horsham, Naracoorte, Mount Gambier,” he said.
“It’s good to see it’s not just rugby league in New South Wales and Queensland and that it’s also in the south-west (of Victoria).”
Warrnambool was left heartbroken after falling to Naracoorte by two points in a grand final for the second time in two seasons.
The Raiders held sway for most of the contest before the Jets’ experience came to the fore late. But Hukatai said he was rapt with the Raiders’ development over the past 12 months.
“I think all the leadership stood up like Tahi Pompey and Jack Simpson,” he said.
“Everyone did their role today and I am very proud of the boys.”
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