Tongan Rugby League Stars motivate students [1]
Monday, February 4, 2013 - 22:12. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei
Rugby League Superstars Manu Vatuvei and Konrad Hurrell are in Tonga this week to promote their team, the Vodafone Warriors of New Zealand.
They are among several Tongans who play for the Vodafone Warriors in the NRL Premiership and are part of the Warrior’s community tour to Tonga, visiting local schools and raising “the awareness of the Vodafone Warriors, the NRL and Rugby League generally”.
Also part of the touring contingent are the Club’s Chairman Bill Wavish, retired Warrior and General Manager Dean Bell, and upcoming junior prospect Albert Vete, another Tongan.
Today the group visited Tonga High School, Tonga College ‘Atele and Tupou College Toloa talking to pupils and answering questions.
Konrad Hurrell was the centre of attention at his former school, Tonga High School. The 21-year-old moved to New Zealand for his final year of high school after winning a Rugby Scholarship to Auckland Grammar, and made his debut for the Warriors last year.
The rugby players made motivational speeches, encouraging students to work hard for their future. Vatuvei told students at Tonga College that working hard at home is just as important as working at school. “Sacrifice and working hard . . . I would work hard at school, but practice everything at home. The teacher can teach you how to throw a ball at school, but if you don’t practice at home you will forget everything”.
Dean Bell told the students to never give up when failure arrives, “we all come across disappointments in life,” he said.
Tomorrow the Warriors contingent will take part in a day long community carnival at ‘Atele featuring fun activities, games, drills and coaching. Hundreds of pupils from primary and secondary schools around Tonga are expected to be there.
The Vodafone Warriors’ are on an eight-day Pacific Islands tour.