Goldie Warriors team manager Lieutenant Joshua Haro says his side has performed strongly through the first four rounds of the Commanders Cup despite having a small squad and dealing with injuries.

Haro said the team had remained competitive from Round One through to Round Four, going up against some of the bigger units in the tournament.

“The boys did very well. Despite the lack of strength that we have, given the small unit that we are, we don’t have that much. However, the boys did very well, starting from Round One up to now Round Four, in all the matches,” he said.

He said the team’s limited manpower had made its performances even more significant, particularly as injuries continued to affect the squad.

Haro also thanked Goldie Warriors supporters for their continued backing throughout the tournament, saying many had made the trip from Goldie to Murray Barracks to support the team.

He clarified that many of those supporting the side were instructors, mostly aged between 25 and 40, rather than new recruits.

“Thank you very much for their support. They're undivided support since day one,” Haro said.

Goldie Warriors captain Lance Corporal Troy Sarufa said the team now needs to strengthen its understanding of rugby union ahead of its next match.

Sarufa said the team plans to work with the CRU and Rugby Union Committee to organise a coaching clinic for the players.

“We will run a coaching clinic to enhance some of our boys’ knowledge to better understand the game of rugby. Most of our players are rugby league orientated,” he said.

He said the coaching would help the players develop a better understanding of the game and improve their performance in the remaining matches.

Despite the challenges, Sarufa said the tournament had already provided an important lesson for the team.

“I would say the take-home for us is teamwork and team effort,” he said.

For Haro, the Warriors’ ability to compete despite their limited numbers and casualties has been a positive sign.

“Regardless of the casualties faced during the tournament, the strength that we have and the manpower, we did put up a good competition against some big giants here,” he said.

Haro acknowledged that injuries were now a concern, but said the team would continue to push forward with the players available.

The Goldie Warriors will now look to build on the lessons from their first four rounds, with greater rugby union knowledge and teamwork key areas of focus heading into their next match.