Pale-pow! Gala skipper sends out warning after Netherdale side is crowned Team of the Year
David Knox • Published 19 Nov 2012 09:30
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GALA skipper Opeta Palepoi has this week sent out a chilling warning to the rest of Scottish club rugby - his team are only going to get better.
The Maroons are already defending the RBS Cup and Border League. And they are in pole position in the race for the Premiership title.
But the 36-year-old Samoan, who won 48 caps for his country, believes the young Gala team will keep improving with each season.
Palepoi spoke to the Border Telegraph after collecting his team's Ettrick & Lauderdale Sports Council award on Friday. He said: "Even with an old boy like me the average age of the team is just 22 or 23. I have seen over the past few seasons how well the team have improved and they will get better and better.
"It was tough when I arrived at Gala during the first two years as these boys were just coming up from the Wanderers but look where we are now. Over the past two years we have been playing really good rugby and I'm proud to say I've been part of it."
The towering former Harlequins and Glasgow Warriors player also paid tribute to his coach George Graham.
Palepoi added: "I first played under George at the Border Reivers and he is a very honest coach. He is great for all of the young players as he tells them the truth - not just what they want to hear.
"It's not just the rugby side that's good - George has us all bonded well off the field. We all play for each other and we are all friends with each other and a lot of that is down to George."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 19 Nov 12
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