INSPIRED by their humble background the Burenitu Cowboys aim to create history in the much anticipated Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup Top 8 final tomorrow.
While the other teams boasted full-time players and employed players, the Cowboys rugby league team is laced with canecutters.
These village boys start their day at 3am daily, cutting and loading cane in farms before reporting to the Ra High School ground for training in the afternoon.
Also joining the boys in the cane farms is their captain and former Fiji 7s rep Neumi Nanuku.
After six years since joining the competition, these canecutters will this weekend feature for the first time in the Top 8 final.
And with just a step away from history, the Ra cowboys are prepared to put their bodies on the line for Fiji rugby league’s prestigious title.
Team manager Pauliasi Vakayalia said his players had sacrificed a lot to reach this far and there would be no looking back when they battled the Police Sharks in the final.
“All team members are canecutters and I believe this humble background will inspire the players to give their all against the Sharks,” said Vakayalia.
“These boys treat cane cutting job as part of their team bonding exercise and they always give their best in any particular task assigned to them.
“None of these boys are employed nor full time rugby league players. They are just ordinary village boys who are using rugby league to expose their talents.
“This is our third year in this level and we are grateful to reach this far. These boys are determined to give their best in the final and the focus is to win.
Vakayalia said their opponents would be tough because they had been camping for few weeks now.
“Police will be a tough team to beat as they have been camping in Nadroga.”
“But nothing will deter our boys from doing their best and create an upset.”
The game will be held at Prince Charles Park, 3pm.
