Veiyasana Knight gives overlooked young league players a chance to chase their dreams
For Veiyasana Knight under-17 coach Apisalome Nabose, missing out on selection for an established rugby league club should not mean the end of a young player’s dream.
The newly formed club is providing that second chance, defeating Topline Warriors 12-4 in round nine of the Eastern State Rugby League club competition.
Nabose and his father, who were among the founders of Davuilevu Knights, established the club to give aspiring players who could not make clubs such as Davuilevu Knights, Makoi Bulldogs and Nadera Panthers an opportunity to continue playing.
Nabose said the club’s name reflected its purpose.
“Veiyasana means for every province,” he said.
The aim is to cater for players from all 14 provinces of Fiji.
The response has been overwhelming, with players travelling from as far as Navutulevu in Serua, Nabukavesi in Namosi, Noco in Rewa, Lami and the interior of Tailevu for training and matches.
Without a proper training ground, the club trains every Tuesday and Thursday at Saint Joseph the Worker Primary School in Nakasi, with Nabose thanking the school for allowing the team to use its grounds.
Despite the long journeys, players continue to attend consistently and give their all at training.
“They come and train the house down,” Nabose said.
Their commitment has made selecting the 17-member match-day squad difficult.
With no financial sponsor this season, Nabose and his father also pay the players’ return fares for training and match days.
For Nabose, the sacrifice is worthwhile because rugby league can provide another pathway for young people seeking a future.
“Most of my players are not gifted inside the classrooms, so this opportunity is something big for them,” he said.
He hopes the players can eventually secure opportunities overseas and build careers through rugby league.
Nabose is now calling on companies and organisations to support the club next season as it seeks to give more young players an opportunity to make a name for themselves.
