Tom and Marlyn Simpson were supposed to have retired to La Paz beach in San Narciso, Zambales. Instead, they’ve been laying the foundations for Rugby League — the “Greatest Game of All” at this picturesque fishing town in the Philippines.
Working when you have supposed to have retired has infected other members of the Philippines National Rugby League (PNRL) board.
On Thursday, July 4, I had the pleasure of attending a training session with a group of cadets at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales. PNRL Board member and Development Officer Tom Simpson runs training sessions here three times a week, in order to give as many cadets as possible, a chance to participate. For this session, 35 players attended, a number well past my expectations!
Tom, assisted by trainee coaches Edmond Brocoy and Harold Aguilo, put the cadets through a number of skills sessions, utilising balls and equipment donated by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) from Australia, and other improvised items, like bamboo and robe step ladders, and pvc pipes with concrete bases and metal rods as agility poles.
Although many of the cadets were only there for their first or second session, it was already evident [that] the basic skills were present. I am confident they will develop into skilled Rugby League players. Living and studying in a highly disciplined environment, the cadets clearly enjoyed the opportunity to let their (extremely short) hair down, and enjoy the friendships that are the basis of Rugby League.
While Edmond and Harold will receive accreditation as level 1 Rugby League coaches later in the year, they will be extremely busy. Their commitment is to be applauded, with both of them taking unpaid time off from their jobs.
About PNRL: The Philippine National Rugby League is the governing body of Rugby League Football in the Philippines. Its mission is to enable all Filipinos to have a healthy lifestyle through their participation in Rugby League Football and to be competitive amongst the Asian Rugby League playing nations. The PNRL focus is the promotion, development and efficient administration of Rugby League in the Philippines. The PNRL is a non-stock, Non-profit Volunteer organization. The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) and an observer member of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF)