The defending champion Nauru Stars under 15 AFL team defeated Fiji Junior Tribe 32-14 in its first pool game this morning in the Oceania Cup that is currently underway at Albert Park in Suva.

The Nauruan coach Zack Temaki says they are here to defend their title.

“That is the plan. That is the whole reason why we came here. Fiji was struggling and it’s understandable that it’s not their game but they were doing well”.

The tournament is also a trial for players from all participating teams to represent the Oceania region in the Under 16 Queensland States championship next year.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s next game against Vanuatu on Thursday.

The tournament ends on Friday.