New pipeline for Asian rugby league talent

A pipeline for Asian talent in rugby league has recently been carved out by a dedicated group of footy enthusiasts in the City of Logan.

Dominic Morton, as part of the Asian Rugby Development Group, has started a cultural revolution in the sport by promoting pathways and opportunities for Asian heritage community members.

He’s the brains behind Asian Footy Fest, where players from countries like the Philippines, Thailand and India can represent their nations on the field.

‘I’ve been with the Philippines National Rugby League team for more than 13 years and there was a lack of opportunities for Asian players,’ Dominic says.

‘There are carnivals for Indigenous players and Pacific Islander players but none for Asian players, so a few of us got together, partnered with the Queensland Rugby League, and before you know it, we’re here.

‘We’re 2 years in now and we’re growing so fast.’

Before the Asian Rugby Development Group was formed, Asian heritage teams only played a meagre number of games every few years, with limited opportunities to learn and compete at higher levels.

The most recent Asian Footy Fest on 9 October livened up the city with food stalls, cultural performances and 4 games played by 8 teams and 160 athletes.

An all-Asian female team also demonstrated their skills against the Philippines.

‘The biggest thing for us at the event was the women’s team, because this is the second time in history that there’s ever been a group competing at this level,’ Dominic says.

‘It amazes a lot of people who attend for the first time because it’s such a massive event – the colour, the festivities, the culture.

‘It’s amazing to see the community come together to embrace their cultures and the event itself.’

More than 500 people attended the last event.

Between tournaments, players can participate in development days where individual countries host their own training sessions to play with fellow countrymen.

The current roster includes national teams representing India, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, China, and a combined team consisting of players from fledgling rugby league nations.

‘We also host a combined one and the numbers grow each time, the camaraderie is unreal,’ Dominic says.

‘The gates are open; we want it to be a community event and encourage everyone in Logan to embrace culture through sport.’

Dominic, a businessowner who advances the game in his free time, has only one fear: that he won’t be able to keep up with the league’s tremendous growth.

Nonetheless, he’s already working on ways to expand opportunities for the Asian community in the next Asian Footy Fest.

Now that coaching for the Asian female rugby space has been secured, he plans to work with more Asian-owned businesses and provide pathways for junior rugby league players.

‘It’s all worth it, seeing the smile on everyone’s faces,’ he says.

‘Seeing how happy players are to get picked to play in a tournament brings a tear to my eye – it drives me a bit harder, these people are honestly so grateful for everything you do for them.

‘I’m just a normal person that appreciates people and gives back in return. These people are so grateful, just such lovely people.’

Get the latest updates on the Asia Rugby League Facebook page. Image by Tim Schenken.