Watching the NRL trial match between the Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Knights was an opportunity the people who came to attend did not want to miss.
Most people turned up in purple showing their support for the Storm and to see Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica. Others came to catch a glimpse of the dancing feet of Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Former All Blacks star Joe Rokocoko and his three sons were among the spectators enjoying an afternoon of footy at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
“We are just here to really enjoy NRL because this is actually the first time the boys get to watch NRL live. Two of my boys cheered for the Knights and two of us supported the Storm,” says the current Racing 92 development backs coach.
“I’m just observing and watching what the other code does so it’s interesting how they play, the systems and warm-ups. I guess in any game we try to develop in so many ways so why not watch the league and see how you develop as a coach and a player as well.
“This is massive. Super Rugby took the first step by having matches over, you see the excitement and the growth of the game so why not do it with rugby league?
“There are avenues and pathways that players would want to take not only in rugby but rugby league as well but also for overseas players to actually come and see where the Fijian players were actually born, the villages they grew up in, and the meaning behind how they play so it’s awesome to see.”
Rokocoko sided with the Storm for this reason.
“Coach Craig Bellamy came to our club a few weeks ago to see how we train as rugby players so I’m with the Storm.”
His other two sons, however, were with the opposition.
“I cheered for the Knights because Kalyn Ponga is there. I like how he plays, his steps, and his offload game,” Cypress Rokocoko shared with a glimmer in his eyes.
“I randomly chose the Knights,” said his second son Taliga Rokocoko. For others, this was a chance to observe and learn from the best in the game.
“This is a major learning experience for me just sitting there and watching the game. I got to witness some set-piece plays that we in Fiji don’t normally do. I wore a Storm jersey but my favorite player is Kalyn Ponga of the Knights,” Ravoravo Rabbitohs player and captain Taniela Mali expressed excitingly.
The staff of Kokomo Private Island Resort turned up in matching plain white T-shirts and purple garlands, showing their support for Craig Bellamy’s men.
“The chief executive of the Storm stayed over at Kokomo and they sponsored the staff by giving us 50 tickets. We were so excited to come to watch the Fijian captain Tui Kamikamica,” Kokomo Human Resource representative Josevata Baravi stated.
“This is also a good marketing tool for us in Tourism and Hospitality, we get to market our brand and show that teams local and overseas have our support in developing whatever game they bring to Fiji.” It was a surreal experience for 22-year-old Saiasi Manukawa who was responsible for looking after the VIP spectators.
“I work for Jack’s Restaurant and this is my first time working at the venue of a major sporting event. This is an experience of a lifetime, even though I’m working, I get to feel the excitement and be in the atmosphere. I’m grateful to have seen Tui Kamikamica play at home because he is doing a tremendous job representing Fiji in the NRL.”
