There is a whole new Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues fan base springing up around the Rugby League players of Ghana in West Africa and they have Wyong Roos player Isaac Akuoko to thank for it.
Akuoko approached NSWRL to provide some gear for players in Ghana and Football Operations Manager Gavin Lawrence was only too happy to oblige – with Origin jerseys and training shirts.
Akuoko, who played Harold Matthews Cup with Western Sydney Academy and Penrith, before stints with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Cairns-based Northern Pride in Under 20s, now plays for the Wyong Roos on the NSW Central Coast.
Back in 2017 he sent 150 Manly jerseys back to Ghana after help from the Sea Eagles’ management.
“There were socks and shorts as well as the jerseys and I sent them over in early 2018, when there were only two teams starting to learn the fundamentals of the game,” Akuoko told nswrl.com.au.
“Fast forward to 2022 and there are now around 1,800 players in Ghana – it’s quite incredible.”
The surge in numbers comes from the men’s competition (seven teams), a women’s competition (four teams), and a men’s Under 19s competition.
The NSW jerseys went to Akuoko’s affiliated club, Accra Majestics Rugby League. He personally delivered the gear in October this year.
“They’re in love with it… they follow the game here (Australia) and they know all about the NRL players, State of Origin series, the lot,” he said.
“They know how much a NSW State of Origin jersey is treasured by the fans there, how big the games are.
“So for them to have those jerseys to wear, they feel like celebrities.”
The NSW gear had also given the Ghana players renewed self-confidence and pride, he added.
“Now they feel like they’re being taken seriously, and their competition is real and not just a fun pastime,” he said.
“They train three days a week, play every Sunday. It’s a full-time commitment in their eyes.
“So for them to get something like NSW Origin jerseys, they just feel like NRL players.”
Soccer still rules in Ghana but Rugby League is gaining traction, 22-year-old Akuoko said.
“Soccer used to be the only sport they played there but Rugby League is on the television news now,” he said.
“The reason I went there this year was to play in the African Championships as we try to qualify for the next World Cup (2025).”
