The Western Maroons players have vowed to win the Fiji National Rugby League Vanua Origin decider against the Eastern Blues at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka tomorrow in a bid to dedicate the title to the late Tui Sabeto, Ratu Tevita Mataitoga.
The Eastern Blues defeated Maroons 19-14 in the Vanua State of Origin One at Prince Charles Park in Nadi while the Maroons took out the second fixture 26-6 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
Maroons team manager Sivanioli Varo said their boys marched into camp at Waqadra, Nadi on Monday.
Varo said they had been preparing well for the decider.
“We would want to win the Vanua of Origin title and dedicate it to the late Momolevu Na Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Mataitoga who was a big supporter of rugby league,” he said.
“Through his support Sabeto Village became one of the top producers of rugby league players in the country.
“The game in the village gained so much popularity that we had to field two teams in the FNRL competition, which is the Sabeto Roosters and the Ravoravo Rabbitohs.”
Ratu Tevita was laid to rest yesterday. Varo said the players were ready for the challenge.
“The Blues have an experienced side so they will have the upper hand. We will go out there and give our best shot. The team is made up of players from the Saru Dragons, Roosters and Rabbitohs,” Varo said.
“We would like to thank some of the ex-Maroons players from the 2020 squad for their contribution for this decider.
“The likes of Tikiko Noke, Ralulu Nasoki and Viliame Rakuli who all secured contracts in Australia have contributed to the team. “They have sponsored their camping with contributions for food, medical supplies and supplements.”
