NADI Rugby Union vice president Jeff Tamata has defended the union’s selection process following widespread discussion on social media over the composition of the Nadi men’s senior team for the Skipper Cup competition.
Some supporters have questioned the selection of players during round-one match against Kadavu, claiming several standout performers from the Nadi club games competition were overlooked despite strong performances during the club games season.
Tamata acknowledged the criticism but said the union remains focused on what it can control rather than online reactions.
“One thing we can’t control is how fans react, especially on social media,” Tamata said.
“We’ll take the positive out of it, work on the things that need to be addressed and move forward from there.”
He said the union has measures in place regarding activity on its official social media platforms but stressed that the team’s performances on the field would ultimately provide the best response.
“We know some fans were disappointed with some of the posts being made, but we can’t control that. We’ll control what we can, and that is our performance on the field, and let them do the talking.”
Tamata urged loyal Nadi supporters to continue backing the side as the team prepares for its second-round Skipper Cup clash against Lautoka this Saturday at Churchill Park.
He said the executives have full confidence in the current squad and the long-term direction of the union.
“We trust our system, we trust ourselves and we trust our players,” he said.
Tamata pointed to last week’s victory, where eight players made their Skipper Cup debuts, as proof the union’s faith in youth is paying off.
He also thanked the union’s sponsors, stakeholders, supporters and the Vanua for their continued backing behind the Nadi team.
Tamata added that the impressive performance of the Nadi Under-20 side last week helped set the standard for the senior team, while the union continues strengthening its administrative structures alongside its on-field ambitions.
“Our objective is to trust the system. If we keep doing the small things right, the results on the field will take care of themselves,” he said.
