Cook Islands on league mission
AT 32, Cook Islands captain Tere Glassie is far from an old man.
But the Newtown Jets back-rower feels like a grandfather when he’s surrounded by a young Cook Islands outfit mostly made up of 18 and 19-year-old players from the national Toyota Cup under-20 competition.
Glassie was yesterday told by Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh that he would lead the side into its Pacific Cup qualifier against Samoa at Barlow Park on Saturday.
The well-travelled forward, who played three NRL games for South Sydney and has also had stints at Balmain, Wests, as well as Oldham, Leigh and Castleford, said he was honoured to again have the job, having previously filled the role.
"It’s great to be given a chance to captain again," he said. "I think I was chosen because I’m the oldest guy in the team.
"Besides me and one or two players who are over 20, the rest of the team are 18 or 19 and it’s going be a massive learning curve for them."
Glassie said the team’s emphasis on youth was aimed at building a strong side for the 2013 World Cup.
Although the veteran of the Cook Island’s 2000 Cup campaign knows he is unlikely to be a part of that squad, he can help build the team by guiding the youngsters into this year’s Pacific Cup against Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji. To do that, it means defeating a more experienced Samoa outfit on Saturday.
Glassie has told his players there is no better way of testing their skills and toughness than to take on a team with host of NRL players and highly-decorated internationals like Samoa boasts. Among those lining up for Samoa are proven NRL performers Patrick Ah Van, Francis Meli, Tony Puletua, Terence Seu Seu and Misi Taulapapa.
"The young guys seem confident because they play in the under-20s competition for different NRL clubs and they’re used to being around players of that standard," he said.
Glassie admitted to not knowing a lot about several of his teammates but had heard enough to know there was plenty of talent in the ranks.
The clash kicks off at Barlow Park at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the gate from 3pm.
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Rolling with the punches: Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh oversees his side's training yesterday, which included tackling drills (bottom right). Pictures: SEAN DAVEY
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