Day 20 - Sat 21st Oct 08

The morning after our visit to watch the Tonga v Samoa game in Penrith stadium. It was quite exciting for a spectator, for an interested party such as ourselves it has reopened the door to the semi finals on this competition as it has left us very much in the running again.

The effect was very psoitive on the boys and the belief that we could go further in the competition has increased.

From my view point I continued to put the few bangs and pops back together picked up from the game last Wednesday. Only a couple of the boys did not train with the team today but this should only be short lived, they will be back in full flow soon.

Training today went very well, a field session and weights at the Mounties again. We are becoming quite the regulars there.

The field session was boosted by the renewed enthuasiasm in the squad after the previous nights result. The old man of the team Mick Cassidy was sidelined with a calf strain but he will bounce back as usual. The food at Mounties suits the boys from variety, quality and health options perspectives. No Chips here.
Showered and changed we head back to the bus for a little shopping trip in one of our sponsors Harvey Norman. A deal done with one of the local managers means the boys stop off for some retail therapy with some very nice iPods bought at very keen prices.

Back at the hotel later the boys relaxed by the pool and the majority of the management/coaching staff a late night pass for the "consuls office". I am sure the future of Rugby League in Ireland was discussed at length and well secured. Hopefully robust late discussion with the rugby powers was the only reason for the fatigued look on their faces the following morning.

So another day over and plans now in place to take on the Samoans. Hope to get all the boys back by Monday am at the latest.

Best wishes all

Ni Neart go cur le cheile