Whalers Captain Aims for Improvement After Record Victory

The Whalers rugby league team celebrated a significant victory over the Aoraki Eels, winning 62-12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium. This match not only marked a record points haul for the Whalers but also showcased the team’s emerging talents and their new captain, Benjamin Latu. Latu, who recently relocated from Australia for his studies in health science, is determined to build on this impressive performance.

Latu, a 24-year-old originally from New Zealand, moved to Australia in his childhood. He developed his rugby league skills in Sydney before further refining them in Brisbane. Since returning to New Zealand, he has also explored rugby union, playing as a prop for the Alhambra-Union division 1 side while taking on the second-row position in league matches. Known for being a strong ball carrier, Latu emphasizes the importance of teamwork, focusing on offloads and creating opportunities for his teammates.

In the match against the Aoraki Eels, standout performances came from talented centres Ngatokotoru Mateariki and Sailusi Temaka. Mateariki scored four tries, while Temaka added two early in the game. Latu’s work rate was commendable, both on and off the ball, and he received support from hooker Jak Morton and second-row partner Tofatuimoana Solia, who proved difficult for defenders to tackle when he gained momentum.

Despite the dominant win, Latu expressed concerns about the team’s performance. “I think there was a high number of errors in the first half,” he stated. He noted that the team did not complete as many sets as they had aimed for and emphasized the need for improvement ahead of their next match.

The Whalers are set to face the Wellington Orcas today in the capital, a fixture that adds pressure to their ambitions following the recent victory. The Whalers and Orcas have met eight times previously, with both teams having secured four wins each. The Orcas recently triumphed over the Southland Rams with a score of 20-8 but had a bye last week, giving them two weeks to prepare for the Whalers.

“We’re just going out there to focus on our game, maintain our discipline, and complete our sets,” Latu explained. He remains optimistic that by addressing their previous shortcomings, the Whalers can secure a positive outcome against the Orcas.

The match is part of the National Premiership and is scheduled to kick off at noon. With Latu at the helm, the Whalers aim to not only build on their record victory but also to demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement as they navigate the challenges of the league.