Cluster 4 Recap: The Spirit That Carries Us

Leading up to Cluster 4 of the Mount Isa World Series Clusters, the Barbarians were once again met with the kind of uncertainty that has become all too familiar — would we have enough players to make a team? (most of our players were tied up with work once again). Conversations among our leadership were serious. Should we play? Or should we save face and sit this one out?

But in true Barbarian fashion, wiser voices reminded us of something much deeper than results or appearances: the importance of consistency and of showing up — even when the odds aren’t in our favor.

It was a powerful moment of reflection. We were reminded of why we started this club in the first place — not just to win games, but to enjoy the sport we love, to create a safe and supportive environment for our players, and to foster both physical and mental wellbeing outside of the demands and stress of work and life in the outback.

With our President out of town and both our Head Coach and Assistant Coach unwell, it was our Treasurer and Technical/Fitness Advisor Viliame Temo, along with our Manager Jake Tagitoka, who stepped up to guide the team through this cluster. John Rasta led the boys onto the field, carrying the pride of the Barbarians on his shoulders.

Club Manager Jake Tagitoka (left) & Club Technical /Fitness advisor & Treasurer Bill Temo (right) stepped in to play this cluster

John Rasta captained the team this cluster

We faced tough opponents and lost both our pool matches against Tonga and Tuvalu — but something incredible happened that day: we had the most fun we’ve had all season.

That’s the spirit we’re proud of. That’s the Barbarians. A team that plays for the love of the game, for each other, and for our community.

Inoke Temo charging through the Tuvaluan defense

Josefa Cokanasiga makes a break for the try line

A heartfelt vinaka vakalevu to:

• Mount Isa Rugby Union for continuing to make space for rugby sevens in the outback,

• Our traveling player Alipate for answering the call for help,

• Our brothers Ben and Joji from the Fiji team who jumped in to help without hesitation,

• And to our incredible sponsors and supporters who make all of this possible:

3Kings Mount Isa Pty Ltd and Arrowhead Security Force – your belief in our mission keeps us going strong.

And to Shaine Hunter Locksmith, a generous donor and a true champion of grassroots rugby union – thank you for backing community rugby with heart.

Our flying Fijian Alipate cruises through to the try line

Joji Taukei sprints to the try line

Our trump card Chris Sullo scores for the team

Joji Taukei does a classic dive onto the try line

Maciu Botitu breaks through the Tongan defense line to score a try for the team

The words echoed most throughout the day were “Veilomani” and “Tapuni.”

Veilomani — to look out for one another/to have each other's back.

Tapuni — do or die.

We carry these values with us as we look ahead to the next cluster, with the same fire and unbreakable team spirit that brought the Barbarians into this game in the first place.

We are the Barbarians. We show up. We play with heart. Win or lose — we’re here to stay.

Bill Temo, gracious in defeat - congratulating the Tongan team

Maciu Botitu is all smiles after the game against Tonga