NOTHING beats hard work and commitment and 22-year-old Simione Taliga knows all too well where it has taken him so far.
For a person who looks up to Osea Kolinisau as his mentor, playing alongside the Vodafone Fiji 7s skipper is something Taliga will cherish for the rest of his life.
The newest member of the Ben Ryan-coached side to the Scotland and England 7s tournaments is expecting to give his best shot when the action kicks off next weekend.
The soft-spoken lad from Dratabu Village in Nadi was hosted to morning tea by workmates at the Fiji Corrections Service headquarters in Suva yesterday.
Taliga said he was overjoyed when his name was called out for the team to the last leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
“When my name was called out I was shell-shocked and then later on I realised I had finally achieved my dream of playing 7s for Fiji. I have always dreamt of playing for Fiji from my childhood days,” Taliga said.
“It means so much to me and my family that I have made it this far and my aim now is to make the team win the series and personally get a contract overseas to play rugby.
“Taliga also added that the training and the coaching style at national level was more direct and technical compared to the local scene.
“When I went into camp with the other boys and had my first training drills, I saw the intensity and technique from Ben Ryan was unique which I believe has helped me a lot.”
Assistant Commissioner of Operations Fiji Corrections Service Viliame Bulewa was the chief guest at the gathering and handed a cheque to Taliga as a small token of appreciation for his dedication and hard work.
Other corrections officers who had represented Fiji in the 7s series were Timoci Wainiqolo, Gabriel Naborisi, Josateki Savou, Niko Verekauta, Joji Ragamate, Ilai Tinai and former captains Setafano Cakau and Levani Botia.
The national team leaves the country for the final leg today.
