TEVITA Coladuadua, a first-time rugby league player and one of six Bua College students in the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) under-18 squad, says he is determined to use the sport as a springboard for an overseas career.
Speaking after yesterday’s training session at Albert Park, Coladuadua, 17, said he only began playing rugby league this year but already sees the game as a “game changer” for both him and his family.
“I was introduced to rugby league when head coach Wise Kativerata and the FNRL team brought a clinic to Bua College,” he said.
“I then had the chance to represent the school in the under-19 competition. Training with the boys this past week has helped me understand the sport better.”
Coladuadua, who hails from Lau, added that the camaraderie among his new teammates had grown quickly.
“Despite only knowing each other for a week, we’ve really bonded,” he said.
“We’re all working on the basics: catching, passing and kicking.”
He said discipline would be key to mastering the FNRL style and earning a contract overseas.
“If I work hard on myself and commit to the FNRL ways, I believe I can play overseas,” he said.
“That opportunity would change my life and the lives of my family.”
Coladuadua’s rapid rise from novice to national-squad member highlights rugby league’s growing appeal in Fiji’s schools.
Meanwhile, Coladuadua remains focused on every drill.
“My family motivates me,” he said.
“I want to make them proud.”
The team will depart Suva tomorrow ahead of their scrimmage session with the Kaiviti Silktail squad in preparation for their clash against Tonga.
