Kakala o Tonga.com

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

From the rugby league grounds of the Mangere East Hawks (NZ) in Mangere (Auckland) to the Canberra Raiders (Aust) to the Bradford Bulls (UK) and now the Gloucester rugby team in England, Leslie Vainikolo has left many an opposition player and players in his wake. Also known as “The Volcano”, Vainikolo has always been known for his power and pace ever since he was the 100m sprint champion at high school. His friends and family have always known of his natural skills and abilities, the question was how far would Vainikolo develop and showcase his talents on the world stage. Vainikolo had many clubs after his signature from Australia to New Zealand. He took his time to sign until ‘that day’ when as the neighbourhood story goes, the legend of rugby league knocked on his family home’s door to ask him to sign for his team. That man was Vainikolo ’s idol - Mal Meninga. To say there are comparisons, there are many. The power, pace and uncompromising defence are trademarks.

From those humble beginnings to the limelight of the NRL (National Rugby League) in Australia, Vainikolo lit up the imagination of the rugby league public for four years before he rocked the sport even more in the UK with an average of one try a game in his entire time in league in the UK. That is a record not too many players can match. A new challenge came to Vainikolo ’s door in the form of the Gloucester rugby team. They wanted Vainikolo to switch codes and he did. To say his entrance into rugby union was like a ‘volcanic eruption’ is an enormous understatement. Vainikolo debuted by scoring 5 tries!! His next game wasn’t so good as Vainikolo suffered a severe neck injury for which he is recovering.

Vainikolo has been living in England with his wife for several years now, hence he is eligible to play for England. Vainikolo is also still available for Tonga and New Zealand if he returns to New Zealand. England will want their own Tongan to tear up opposition defences as they have suffered over the years from ‘Ofahengaue, Lomu, George Smith, Toutai Kefu, Alatini and possibly a few others I haven’t mentioned. Which ever team Vainikolo chooses to play for, he will surely make the headlines.

If Vainikolo decides to play for the Ikale Tahi, then he will be a great asset to the team as he can share his experience and showcase his talents. If he plays for England or the All Blacks, he will be successful on the field whichever jersey he chooses.

Filed under: Sport