PEOPLE sometimes will need the right environment and the proper support to excel and realise their full potential.
It is this right environment and the proper support that ensued Wallaby international Samu Kerevi to reach his full potential.
Born in a family of known criminals in Kinoya, an area then known for illegal activities, Samu was quickly brought under the care of neighbour Peceli Ciriki, who is also a relative.
“The mum was with us when Samu was born, I was the first one to cuddle him in the maternity ward in Suva. That was way back in 1993 and he spent more time with my family rather than with his parents.
“I know the background of his father’s family, because we were next door neighbours. I know how much they have struggled in life to live within the confines of the law. His parents suggested that I adopt him that was in 2002, but I told them I’m not going to adopt Samu, I don’t think it is fair for me to do that,” said Mr Ciriki.
While the young Samu was not legally adopted, after careful consultations with the Kerevis they allowed for the then four-year-old boy to travel with his grandaunt, granduncle and their own three children.
“I got an offer to be seconded to the Commonwealth Secretariat office in Honiara (Solomon Is.), he wanted to go with me, so I included Samu as one of my family members and I submitted that list to the Commonwealth Secretariat.
“We were staying together and he called me and my late wife, mum and dad, even in Suva before we left he grew up as an integral part of my family.
“I had about 15 or 16 other young people at home, these were children who were chased away from their families because they chose to change their denominations. They came and stayed so they all took part in raising Samu up. They were part and parcel of Samu’s growing up, and when we went to the Solomon Islands, he started off at the kindergarten, and when there was ethnic tension in the Solomon Islands the whole Commonwealth Secretariat was evacuated to Brisbane.”
Mr Ciriki added because of the nature of his work, Samu was able to be granted diplomatic status and enjoyed the same privileges as his three children did.
“Samu was also part of that diplomatic status. Even though I did not adopt him legally but I was able to make arrangement with my employer at that time so that Samu could benefit from the conditions of my work, in as far as his education was concerned, health provision and other benefits, so he benefited, growing up.”
Mr Ciriki saw the talent in the Viseisei, Vuda lad from when he was a kid and ensured Samu received the best support he could get.
He was still in junior grade playing rugby league when he received a rugby scholarship to one of Queensland’s top schools, the Brisbane State High School. The school is known to have produced many national and international sports stars.
Former Wallabies captain David Wilson, Peter Hynes and former Fiji rugby captains and brothers Jacob and Mosese Rauluni were all products of the school.
Mr Ciriki said by the time Samu joined high school, he had already been playing both union and league in junior grade.
“He played almost every sport; rugby, rugby league, Aussie rules, volleyball, basketball and he is very good in swimming. He was chosen to go to that school simply because of his sporting talents and he was chosen because of his skills in playing rugby league, but Brisbane State High School don’t play rugby league, so he changed to play rugby union.
“I encouraged him to excel in his sporting skills, I gave him all the support he needed, and at that time I was still working for the Commonwealth, I spent a lot of time travelling. My constituents were the 14 Pacific Island countries, I spent more time travelling rather than at home, but my two grown-up children were responsible for taking Samu every Saturday and Sunday to any junior rugby game. I made that commitment, that wherever Samu wanted to go for his games, we had to take him, even for myself even though I was also a full-time church minister, I chose to change my church Sunday programs if it coincided with Samu’s game. I would arrange for someone to take over the preaching, while I took Samu to the game.”
When asked why he cared so much for his grandnephew, Mr Ciriki said because it was the right thing to do. He added they made sure Samu knew who his real parents were.
“We allowed him to visit his parents in Fiji and at that time I also feel that could contribute to changing the image of his family, from his father’s side. And I am glad that has happened.
“I still feel I can help Samu whether it be to develop his sports or his academic education even without adopting him and I have managed to work through the structure of the Commonwealth Secretariat and achieved this.
“My wife passed away in 2013, the same year Samu was contracted by the Reds, I only wish my wife was around to see Samu now.
“I think it was fortunate for him to come with us to the Solomon Islands and then to Australia, because it’s a land of opportunity and they respect each other’s talents and they have the resources to develop it. Samu has always been very committed, we just provided the support.”
In 2012, Samu was roped into the Fiji under-20 side. A year later he had the opportunity to be part of the Australian under-20 team but could not travel to France with the team because his citizenship was not yet confirmed.
It was also in the same year, he was roped in by the Reds and three years later he made his debut for the Wallabies.
