Australian rugby league system a ‘different realm of footy’ says grassroots rugby league coach

The Redbank Plains Bears club may be over 2,000 kilometers from his home of Auckland, but under 18s coach Trent Manukuo* says the opportunity for young Pacific players is golden.

Manukuo has coached two Redbank Plains Bears clubs to grand finals, and says it is the competitive culture in Australia that drives young athletes to reach great heights.

He says kids are made to “feel like professionals” when it comes to rugby league.

“School plays a big part at such a young age, they put them in a professional environment and teach them things that the NRL boys are learning at a young age.

“There’s so much competitiveness, I mean Aussies will race you to the front seat of the car bro! And for us Pasifika and Maori to adopt that into how we operate, we turn into different beasts.

Manukuo says that many Pacific players come through the club, and has noticed that the competitive culture elevates the athletes’ game.

“Australians are really competitive and when they adopt that competitiveness it’s looking good for them. These Aussie boys don’t back down.

“If you talk about the genetics we have, the natural strength, power, speed, and hone that into a professional system they go into this crazy realm of athletes to compete with.”

He says that compared to New Zealand, the level of rugby league in Australia is a step ahead for younger talent coming up.

“I take nothing away from New Zealand rugby league, but you can’t be blind to see it here, you’re running block plays at 10 years old, training five days a week at a young age.

“You know the star players back home, you know who they are. But here there are a million of them! Everyone has an equal opportunity.

“It’s a whole different world, a whole different country and culture, some players find it hard to adapt to. Australians won’t give their jersey up for anyone even if you’re the best back home.”

​Trent will be coaching the Under 18s Queensland Niue team in the upcoming Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival (QPICC) where different island nations will compete in a two-day tournament.

He says it’s a great opportunity for Pacific players to connect with their culture and represent their heritage. Much like the NRL’s Pacific stars, Manukuo says those who have chosen to represent their heritage have set the tone for up and comers.

“I honestly think the players will choose their roots. These older players are setting a good example for young ones coming up.

“I think the whole thing behind it is Australia has given the young guys an opportunity to play footy, so playing for Australia would be their way of giving back.

“But I think the stronger the cultural side they bring into rugby league ,the better the opportunity for the players to succeed in their code..”

​*Trent Manukuo is the brother of the writer.​ ​

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