DEFENDING champions of the Farebrother Trophy, Naitasiri, is calling on its supporters to rally behind them as they face Malolo in their first match of the Inkk Farebrother Challenge this afternoon.
The team will face their Western opponents who are appearing in the tournament for the first time, following their ascension from the Vanua Championship last year.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, Naitasiri Rugby Union’s director of coaching, Ilaitia Tuisese sounded the call for support.
“We would like for all of you to come out in numbers as they (the team) represent the 16 tikinas (districts) and 98 villages for what will be a good game tomorrow (today),” Tuisese said.
“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we should give them a good game and Malolo is a champion team and they’re looked after very well and have great support.”
As they run onto the field today, they do so after facing their fair share of challenges encountered in their preparations.
“First of all, grounds are always an issue. We don’t have a home ground, shifting venues, ground closures, so (we are) improvising,” Tuisese added.
Despite these setbacks, he reaffirmed their readiness for their Farebrother challenge opener.
Naitasiri: Asiveli Rokoua (captain), Kavaia Tagivetaua, Jone Naqiri, Marika Natau, Michael Ferei, Veniasi Vosawale, Motikiai Murray, Malakai Namalo, Kaminieli Lutumailagi, Senijiale Qiokata, Sakaraia Soqonakalou, Vatiliai Vosawale, Waisea Tuisese, Aseri Nakailagi, Etonia Rokotuisawa, Waisale Yaca, Taitusi Roko, Ratunaisa Navuma, Saula Qiolevu, Luke Vosa, Napolioni Batimala, Kavekini Ketei, Viliame Kanatabua.
Malolo: Kitione Vohailagi, Apisalome Vidovi, Ratu Wame Waqainaceva, Aminiasi Naituiyaga, Wajile Tuinagiagia, Imanueli Bari, Isaia Rugu, Damanu Guiwasa, Simeli Karacia, Tevita Ledua, Apete Daveta, Joseva Tamata, Esala Nalobo, Sanila Natoucu, Douglas Daveta, Apisai Neimila, Rt Meli Kurisaru, Pauliasi Kaloumaira, Tevita Natoga, Semisi Lave, Jone Waqanisalu, Viliame Nalolo, Nacanieli Labalaba.
