From the secluded Navosa highlands to her first-ever plane ride abroad, Vodafone Fijiana prop Salanieta Nabuli heads off to Japan with a set purpose – to make her parents proud and secure a lucrative rugby offer in the national side.
Salanieta, known commonly to her mates as ‘Big Shirley’, is the first from the village of Vatubalavu in the remote Navosa region to break the glass ceiling and earn a spot in the national rugby side.
Her family braved a four-hour carrier ride all the way from the highlands yesterday to bid her farewell at the Nadi International Airport and give their daughter their well-wishes in her debut Test match against Japan.
The emotional rugger said her parents and family’s presence at the airport motivated her even more to be the best she could and establish her best footing in her sporting career.
“The fact that I have made it into the national team is huge for my family,” the soft-spoken rugger admits.
“For me this is just the beginning of my rugby journey and I am proud that I have made it to the national side, it won’t be easy but I will give my best.
“I will continue to thank my parents and my family for their support, advice and words of encouragement every single day.”
The Fijiana rugged forward said she would do her best in her rugby career and continue to push beyond boundaries and most importantly give her best in the sport she fell in love with a year ago.
Proud father Eloni Nabuli said they made an effort to see his daughter off at the airport terminal to encourage and remind her to grab this unique opportunity with both hands and give her best shot.
The Navosa farmer said his eldest daughter worked hard towards this dream of becoming a national rep and they would continue to support her in achieving her rugby dream.
