It might be only a matter of time before Melton duo Josh Cooper and Elijah Tuigamala are playing in the international Super Rugby competition.
The pair recently returned from a representative tour of New Zealand with the Melbourne Rebels’ under-14 side.
It’s the second time they have pulled on the Rebels’ jersey, as both were also selected in the under-12 team two years ago.
Their latest foray into the big time had Cooper and Tuigamala joining a 26-strong touring squad to New Zealand.
They played in four matches on the tour, twice lining up for games against Auckland (twice), Waikato and Bay of Plenty – and leaving with a two-win, one-draw one-loss record.
The pair’s club coach, Elijah’s father Ivala Tuigamala, said the tour was a great experience.
“It started with trials with more than 100 kids,” he said.
“From there they were selected for the 10- day tour of the upper North Island.
“They both really enjoyed the tour. It was a great experience and great exposure for their rugby.”
Their latest achievements cap off what has been a stellar season for Cooper and Tuigamala, who also helped their club side, the Preston-based Northern Panthers, to the Victorian Rugby Union under-14 premiership.
“Both boys grew up here in Melton and started playing for Melton Rugby Club when they were about six,” Tuigamala said.
“Unfortunately, once they turned 12 there were no numbers.
“We have been travelling the last few years to play for Northern.”
Both Cooper and Tuigamala will now turn their attention to qualifying for the Melbourne Rebels’ next underage tournament, which will be the Gold Cup. The under-15 representative event will take place next year.
“Most of this team [that toured New Zealand] will probably make the Gold Cup squad,” Tuigamala said.
