Kaiviti Silktails senior staff members Stephen Driscoll and Damon Spooner both had the opportunity to work with the NRL Indigenous All Stars and Māori All Stars teams respectively, in the 2024 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars match that saw the top Indigenous and Māori rugby league talent come together to showcase the ultimate celebration of culture.
Silktails Chairman Petero Civoniceva spoke about what working with these teams meant for both Stephen and Damon – as well as the club to have staff involved in an NRL marquee event.
“As Chairman of the Kaiviti Silktails RLFC, on behalf of our players and staff – we want to extend our congratulations to our Executive Director Stephen Driscoll and General Manager Damon Spooner in their key team roles in the NRL Indigenous All Stars vs Māori All Stars match held last week in Townsville” said Civoniceva.
“We are always excited at seeing our players progress on to further opportunities, but to have Stephen and Damon directly involved in one of the NRL’s marquee events, is a proud moment for the Kaiviti Silktails RLFC.”
“As a club we are so excited to see two of our senior staff have key and important roles for both of the teams.”
“Stephen has a history of working in the Indigenous All Stars teams (previously the women’s and now the men) as their Strength and Conditioning Coach. He has had a strong connection with many of the Indigenous players, particularly Latrell and Shaquai Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Josh Curran in this current group. He also has strong connection with Tallisha Harden who captained the women’s team. It was just amazing to see all the connections Head Coach Ronald Griffiths has put in place with this team that contributed to another Indigenous team victory last Friday night.”
“The Maori team also no doubt benefited from Damon Spooner’s involvement as their Team Manager. Having worked with the Sydney Roosters and now with the Silktails, we see first-hand at how he assists players to reach their full potential. As a proud Māori man, his influence in guiding his players this week on and off the field would have been invaluable to the week they had.”
“Vinaka Vakalevu Stephen and Damon.”
The Indigenous All Stars came away victorious in last Friday’s match in Townsville, winning 22 – 14.
