PACIFIC ISLAND PALM WORKERS REVIVE TARALGA TIGERS

Nestled in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales is the small historic village of Taralga.

With little over 400 people, this tiny town is known for their nineteenth century buildings, emerging foodie scene and the famous Taralga Australia Day Rodeo as well as the spectacular Wombeyan Caves.

Stone houses,Taralga – Credit: Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Up until recently, the townspeople had little to no experience with the Pacific culture.

This gradually changed over time and peeked last year as the Pacific Island PALM employees become members of the Taralga Tigers Rugby Team.

Team manager, Tarek Koroisamanunu shared the story of how these Pacific Islanders have reignited the community as well as their rugby dreams.

According to Koroisamanunu, the year 2022 the Taralga Tigers had a full team of local players, overtime, they started to age out and retire. In 2023, word went out that they needed new members in order to keep the club running. The team consisted of 60% of Pacific Island PALM workers and 40% were local players. This year, the team consists of 1 local member.

Taralga Tigers Rugby Team
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“We have experienced players from Pacific Islanders” he shared. A Tongan player captained his national team in France and a few Fijian boys were a part of the Fijian Bati “they provide great guidance and support to the younger players” he said.

The Taralga Tigers rugby team also have a tradition after every game. The players huddle up and sing hymns in different Pacific island languages. The community has been very supportive and have even taken the time to learn the lyrics and the meaning of the hymns. A  true vision of unity.

“This makes the players feel like there is still something that they can cling on to that reminds them of home” he shared. This also makes the team feel less isolated from the communities they’ve left behind in search of a better life.

The PALM employees have even explored other aspects of rugby such as refereeing which has benefitted the community immensely. They participate in workshop and trainings to educate them on their roles and actively referee at the local school games.

The Taralaga Tigers rugby union club, was on its knees before PALM workers replenished its ranks.

However, the Pacific players breathed new life into the club, which is about to compete in the finals of the South Monaro Rugby competition.

Credit: ABC Pacific Beat