THE Fiji under-18 rugby league team is preparing well for their much-anticipated clash against Tonga this Saturday.
Head coach Wise Kativerata said the team has been in camp for over a week and is slowly coming together after being selected from different parts of the country.
“We started with just 12 players during our clinics and now we have 31 boys in camp,” Kativerata said during an interview after their training session at Albert Park yesterday.
The boys have been working on the basics of the game, catch and pass, running lines and defence.
“Yesterday we focused on our one-on-one and two-on-one defence. If we can control the ruck against Tonga, we’ve got a good chance,” Kativerata said.
He added that this is the first time the Fiji U18 side will play Tonga in Fiji and they have set a goal not to make it easy for their visitors.
“The team from Tonga won’t be giving us an easy game, and I’ve told the boys it’s all up to how they step up on the day.”
The Junior Bati will travel to Lautoka tomorrow, where they will join the Kaiviti Silktails program.
Wednesday and Thursday, they will have scrimmage sessions with the Silktails before the captain’s run on Friday.
Saturday will feature three big games: the women’s match, the Silktails against West Tigers, and finally the Fiji under-18 side facing Tonga.
Kativerata said the boys are excited about the opportunity and that scouts from Australia will be watching.
“I told them your opportunity is knocking. Prepare yourself. Hard work always beats talent.”
The final squad is expected to be named today.
