“WITH God, everything is possible” will be the rallying cry for the defending champions of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) competition, Ra High School, as they embark on their quest to retain the coveted U19 title.
The team rose to prominence last year in the ultimate underdog story—a relatively unknown school from the west defying every expectation to topple the established giants of local school rugby and establish themselves as the new kings of the high school rugby league scene.
Captain Penasio Waqa Tematema understands the daunting task ahead as the season begins this weekend.
He admits that the road to preparation has been anything but smooth, yet the team remains fiercely determined and ready to defend their crown with grit and heart.
“As defending champions, our preparation back at school has been in full force,” Tematema explained.
“It has not been easy; at times, there has been insufficient food and little sleep. Despite that, we trained every day. At times, a few students lost hope and wanted to quit, but we reminded them of our motto, ‘With God, all things are possible,’ which convinced them to keep going.”
While the team has held onto the core of their victorious squad from last season, they are well aware that this year’s competition will be fiercer than ever, with every rival hungry to dethrone the champions.
“We won’t be underestimate or look down on any of our opponents, all teams coming in know the game and we will give all opponents our best efforts.”
The team begins their title defence today, and Tematema affirms they are ready and eager to compete, drawing strength and inspiration from their motto as they step onto the field.
“With the hard yards done and the Lord on our side, on the field we will do what we, the Ra people, do best—that is ‘Mae na Mae’ (no matter what, we will pursue our cause),” he said confidently.
