Philippines vs Malta: Tamaraws captain Dylan Jones eyes back-to-back wins in front of special fans

Philippines captain and veteran Dylan Jones was part of the side that knocked off Malta for the first time last year, and with his two kids watching on this weekend, he’s ready to go back-to-back.

Dylan Jones of the Philippines national team. Picture: Jasmine Nery

Dylan Jones has been a mainstay with the Philippines national side for close to a decade now.

Since making his debut with the Tamaraws in 2014 he has been a constant face in the side that has established itself as the best Asian team in the world.

He’s been a part of that growth that has seen them mix it with higher ranked nations, including a defeat of Malta last year.

This weekend he will again captain the team against the Knights as they look to retain the Friendship Cup.

“We played last year and got the result,” Jones said.
“This year we’re feeling good. There’s a few new faces and some young blokes in the team so it should be good.

“It will definitely be a grind. Malta is a good side.”

The open men’s encounter headlines a bumper Saturday of football at New Era Stadium, Cabramatta, with five games across juniors and seniors between the two nations.

With two young children of his own, Jones said it would be an honour for them to follow in his footsteps and wear the Filipino colours as he honours his mother’s heritage.

“My mother was born there and most of my family lives over there,” he said.

“Seeing how proud they are of you and how happy it makes them is pretty special.

“My two kids will be coming out to watch and it gives them something to look up to and hopefully something to look forward to when they’re older.

“I was young when I saw the Philippines play at the International Nines at Cabramatta in 2013. I reached out to them, went down to a training session in Sydney and have been picked ever since.”

A natural leader who will take that to a new level in his club appointment next year, Jones said the thing he has most enjoyed is being around his teammates, including brothers Jordan and Ryan.

“I played for the Central Butcher Boys in Charlestown this year and have a captain-coach role at the Thornton Beresfield Bears,” he said.

“I don’t have many playing years left in me, so it’s something to consider (coaching with the Philippines). Obviously I’d have to work my way up, but if the opportunity came up I’d consider it.

“With every camp you meet someone new. Everyone has their own stories and personality.

“To have my two brothers playing with me, the family was super proud of that.”

With a growing domestic competition back at home, Jones believes a bit of a boost could go a long way.

“The PNRL is working with the domestic competition to get some government funding,” he said.

“You’d love to see players coming through there and into the national team.”

Originally published as Philippines vs Malta: Tamaraws captain Dylan Jones eyes back-to-back wins in front of special fans