Triple N Tuberua half-back Sitiveni Etuate says the thought of his single mother waking up early every morning to gather firewood and make breakfast is enough motivation to make him train hard every day, in hopes of one day escaping the hardships they face.
While competing at the 1st Fiji Bitter Serua 7s, Etuate has proven to be an exceptional player, helping his Triple N Tuberua under-21 side reach the Cup quarter-final.
“Whenever I play, my mother is always at the back of my head. During training when I think of her, I tell myself that I have to make it one day, in getting a contract to play rugby,” the 19-year-old said.
The Triple N Tuberua side consists of three villages in the interior of Navosa which are Nasikawa, Naikoro, and Namataku.
Dropping out of high school when he was only in form three, Etuate and his family have been solely dependent on the produce of their farm to sustain themselves.
These days, he has turned to rugby to get his family out of poverty.
“Ever since I dropped out of school I’ve been on the farm every day.”
Etuate was selected by the Yamacia Rugby Club when he was only 16-years-old to play a various local 7s tournaments. Two years later, after hearing that his village, Draiba, has formed a 7s team, he decided to leave Yamacia and join the new club.
Tuberua coach Ratu Avakuki Nasauturaga labelled Etuate as a hard-working player, who has the passion and talent in 7s rugby.
“He is the hype of the team, always full of energy just ready to jump on the rugby field,” he said.
“Like most of the players, he faces a lot of challenges at home but is committed to his dream of playing rugby.”
Someday, Etuate says he hopes to don the white jersey, which is the common dream of almost every young Fijian.
“That’s the dream, to either get a contract or play for Fiji so I can take care of my mother.”
