Alifereti Cawanibuka, the son of Nacanieli Cawanibuka, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head of athletic performance, is about to embark on a new and thrilling journey as he joins the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition.
A Year 10 student at Gospel High School, Cawanibuka is eagerly anticipating the chance to connect with his peers and others through this exciting sporting opportunity, which marks the beginning of his rugby league career for his under-17 school side.
Although rugby league is a novel experience for Cawanibuka, he is enthusiastic about the fresh challenges that lie ahead, signalling his willingness to venture beyond his comfort zone.
Despite his lack of prior experience, he is embracing the opportunity and is keen to learn from the journey that awaits him.
“It just started for me this year, I never used to play rugby league during my childhood so it’s kind of a new experience to me and I’m looking forward to the new challenges I’ll face ahead,” said Cawanibuka.
While Cawanibuka is eager to launch his rugby league career, his mother’s worries about the potential for injury threaten to overshadow his excitement.
“My mum doesn’t allow me to play because she’s scared, I might get injured, so my dad told me I have to play smart and avoid myself from getting injured.”
Cawanibuka acknowledges the support of his father, who stands behind his decision to play rugby league.
Meanwhile, the FSSRL competition which was supposed to be held at St Marcellin Primary School grounds in Suva last week, was cancelled due to adverse weather.
