It was almost the end of a tiring match, seven metres from his goal line and the opposition was throwing in from a lineout with the score locked at 10-7.
Playing at lock, Peceli Kina Jr was asked by his Marist St Michael’s team mates to secure the ball for them.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on June 7, 1997, he did. From the tap-back, the leather was booted into touch and the victory was sweet for Marist St Michael’s.
Kina, 21, had big boots to fill literally and physically.
The 106 kg forward who stood at almost two metres tall was the son of former Fijian test prop, Peceli Kina Sr.
In a letter to his dad, Peceli Jr reviewed his most recent match, filling him in with all the details.
Playing for Nadroga, Kina was spotted by Bay of Plenty colts coach Peter Spry who organised for him to play for the Rotorua club.
Kina was just one of the many young players offered a chance to play either in New Zealand or Australia to develop their skills.
“I told him to aim high and I know he will make me proud,” Peceli Sr said.
According to a New Zealand newspaper, Marist St Michael’s coach Tiki Edwards found Kina’s form since he joined the club impressive. But like other Pacific islanders who make the transition in a foreign land climate always seem to be a problem.
“I love it here. I feel at home here, the people are very friendly just like at home but it’s cold,” Kina added.
He was a former student of Ratu Kadavulevu School in Lodoni and represented his school in rugby. He left RKS to join Lelean Memorial School where he was part of the school’s winning Deans Trophy team.
Kina’s father said while in Rotorua he was hoping to learn more about how the New Zealanders play the game.
“With us Fijians we have the talent, what we need is to send our players overseas to acquire the knowledge needed to adapt to the modern game.”
Like father, like son. The young Kina now hopes to get a Fiji jersey.
“I look up to my dad. I want to be like him. He was the best prop in Fiji and I’m trying to beat him,” Kina said.
