THE Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League grand finals at 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba tomorrow will not only crown champions, but could also open doors for young players chasing professional dreams.
Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League media coordinator Lai Corerega said scouts were expected to closely monitor the finals.
Corerega said the competition continued to grow strongly across all zones in Fiji, something the executives were proud to witness this season.
“We have a very good representation from all the zones playing in the finals this year and that is something very important,” he said.
“We can see the development from the different zones has really improved and we want to maintain that over the years.
He said the finals would provide another opportunity for players to showcase their talent in front of talent scouts.
“We hope scouts will be there on Saturday.
“Over the years we have had the Bulldogs Kikau Academy coming in and scouting players from the quarter-finals to the semi-finals and finals.They already have an academy running in Fiji and some young players have already been supported through the program.
“We are hoping other NRL clubs will also be around.”
Corerega believes the atmosphere at 4R Stadium will lift the quality of matches, especially after the excitement created by recent Super Rugby fixtures at the venue.
“This year will feel different.
“4R Stadium has hosted some big competitions and now for the first time the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League finals will be played in Ba.
Three major finals will headline tomorrow’s program, including the U15 clash between Nasinu Panthers and Gospel Saints, the U17 showdown between Ba Methodist and Sigatoka Methodist, and the blockbuster U19 final between QVS Knights and RKS Eels.
Corerega said the U19 encounter was expected to produce fireworks.
“It’s a match between two big schools.
“QVS will want a back-to-back win after winning the Coke Games boys division while RKS are not leaving any stone unturned.”
He also tipped Gospel Saints as the surprise package in the U15 grade.
Pre-sale tickets are available online through the Vitikart platform to help fans avoid long queues on game day.
Tickets are $15 flat for grandstand and embankment and children U6 are free.
