By Jon Geddes

THE Western Sydney Two Blues made a big statement beating Shute Shield heavyweights 33-17 on Saturday – and followed that up with a moving statement about what Anzac Day means to them.

Fresh from their impressive victory over the Students at Eric Tweedale Stadium, Rugby News can reveal that all the Two Blues’ top squad would be attending the annual Dawn Service at the Merrylands RSL on Tuesday morning.

“We are just giving back and recognising the sacrifices that people have made for us to get where we are,” explained Two Blues head coach Sailosi Tagicakibau.

“I think it is only right for us to go out there and support such a big day.”

Tagicakibau said the significance of Anzac Day really resonated with the Two Blues squad, especially after the jersey presentation prior to the University game by former player and Vietnam veteran David Wilkins.

“He gave us a brief history of what he has been through for his country and as a Two Blue and the boys really appreciated it,” Tagicakibau said.        

“They do understand the sacrifices and the importance of the day.”

The Two Blues’ squad includes players brought up in both Australia and New Zealand.

“I think it is a good thing to bring us together, recognise the past and hopefully make a good future for the club,” Tagicakibau said.

“At five o’clock we are heading down to the Dawn Service and (club sponsor) Merrylands RSL are hosting us for breakfast.

“We are going to train after that so that the boys can have the rest of the day for family.”

That kind of gesture illustrates a club’s character and values – and is invariably intertwined with success on the field.  

A BIG BLUE STATEMENT

AFTER losing their first three games, it clicked for the Two Blues against Uni and demonstrated  they can do some real damage during the rest of the season.

“It was a bit of a statement of where the club is going, we can compete with these big clubs,”  Tagicakibau said. “I think the boys knew they were capable of a performance like that.”

The win was a credit to the meticulous preparation by their coach.

Tagicakibau described it as a clinical performance – with a good kicking strategy, the forwards delivering at the set piece and the team nullifying University’s strengths.

“We had a clear plan of what we wanted to do and executed it at a high level,” he said.

The win came after the team had no luck in their 24-22 loss to Eastwood in round three.

“After the heartbreak of last weekend, I think we really deserved it and we needed it as well,” Tagicakibau said.

“It’s been a tough start to the season and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy – we came close in the first three rounds.

“With the turnover of players in key positions it is a matter of getting them on the same page and working in the right direction.

“I think they are just finding their feet.

“After the weekend the boys will take confidence from it and hopefully we can get some momentum and some more good results.”

Tagicakibau was very happy with the performance of No.10 Reece Suesue in Saturday’s win after an injury-disrupted 2022.

“He showed how much a quality footballer he is,” Tagicakibau said. “I think he is only going to grow now.”

Secondrower Paula Waqa is a local product out of the club’s Colts system who has made his first grade debut this season and was rewarded for his effort by scoring a try on Saturday.

“He is getting better every week and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop over the season,” Tagicakibau said.           

FACING A DANGEROUS HUNTER     

TAGICAKIBAU said the competition was so tight, the best teams can’t afford to take a week off.

“You can lose to anyone on a given day,“ he said.

Now the Two Blues have to regroup and prepare to take on the Hunter Wildfires at home this Saturday.

“They are going really well … they have put in some strong performances,” Tagicakibau said.

“So it is not going to get any easier.”