The NZ Olympic team

The NZ Olympic team (Under 23's) has just recently completed a qualifying tournament in Papua New Guinea. The Olympic team is comprised of players under the age of 23 years and features several All Whites, including Storm Roux, Bill Tuiloma, Deklan Wynne, Louis Fenton and keeper Max Crocombe.

The team had the tough task of playing in PNG, with a game every second day over a ten-day period, in 30 degrees heat.

Roland was the lead physiotherapist, working with another therapist, a doctor and a sports scientist.

The team started with an easy 2-0 win over the Solomon Island, followed by a hard fought 1-0 win over the hosts PNG (coached by ex All Whites coach Ricki Herbert) and then a good 5-0 victory over New Caledonia.

Next up was Vanuatu in the semi final, with another hard fought 2-0 win moving us through to the final against Fiji.

Then OFC ruled we had played an eligible player and were disqualified from the tournament! The players were devastated and NZ football have lodged a formal appeal.

Stars for the team were 17-year Logan Rogerson, Monty Patterson and Marseille player and All White Bill Tuiloma (ex – Birkenhead), both whom had outstanding tournaments.

The conditions were extremely testing with 30 degrees heat, terrible training and playing pitches and games kicking off at 12pm!

The medical team had their work cut out for them with massages, stretching, ice baths, recovery drinks and managing player loads. It was a very busy 2 weeks!

We met some very helpful and friendly locals and wish PNG good luck next year hosting the Women's Under 20 FIFA World Cup.