As Fiji’s sporting landscape goes through a shift in promoting a well-planned ‘life after sports the Fiji National Rugby League has long been an advocate of being proactive rather than reactive.
FNRL chairman Akuila Masi said this is one of the core messages they promote to all their players.
Rugby league is one thing, but good education and a stable career will come calling when one hangs his boots.
This is a concept they are pushing forward to local rugby league players and those playing professionally especially in Australia, are making good moves.
“We need the players to be more proactive, before you decide to play rugby league, you have to have a vision for yourself, your life and where you want to be after five to 10 years. We don’t to be reactive to situations, now we are promoting for our players to go to school, play rugby league and take opportunities.
“Some of our players have done that quite well, those that have played professional rugby league, when they retire, they have properties, investments and that is the kind of things that we are trying to create,” he said.
The FNRL chair was also asked if he supported the initiative of former Fiji 7s player Isake Katonibau who called for free education for all national rugby representatives.
“Rugby league is a sport that we can promote from an early age, we want people to be more proactive, before you play the sport, you find the future you want to see for yourself.
“Rugby league might be there for five to 10 years after you’re in your 40s, you still need to buy bread for your family so people need to be more proactive with that but, if the government is good enough, willing to provide those opportunities for the national reps then I fully endorse and support the initiative that has been promoted by ‘Eyes’,” he added.
The FNRL has the backing of Australia through the NRL which provided valuable materials that they are using to promote the game and develop the capacity of young players.
