Naitasiri Warriors under-19 schoolboys and schoolgirls teams have defied the odds in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition, maintaining an unbeaten record despite facing challenges such as inadequate facilities and limited resources.
Both teams have secured places in the semi-finals, with the Naitasiri Warriors set to take on the Ra High Roosters in the Pherrus Schoolgirls competition, and Naitasiri facing the formidable Nasinu Panthers in the Vodafone Trophy at Prince Charles Park, Nadi this Saturday.
Coach Rusiate Talebulamai is well aware of the tough competition posed by the Nasinu Panthers, a renowned team in secondary school’s rugby league.
“It won’t be a walk in the park for us, we are playing against Nasinu, a team that’s well known in secondary school’s rugby league,” said Talebulamai.
“We know the team has also taken trophies, but we are holding on to our training and we are focused on the task ahead.
“The team draws inspiration from the school’s motto for the year, ‘Together we can’, which serves as a motivating force for our players.”
Talebulamai emphasises financial constraints pose a significant hurdle for the team, requiring them to rely heavily on fundraising efforts.
“We have limited resources – no proper ground to train in and gym equipment but that does not stop the boys from coming to train everyday as they love to play rugby and to represent their school.”
Heading into the semi-finals armed with only their basic rugby league skills, the school is determined to let their performance on the field do the talking.
The team calls on the Naitasiri family and supporters to come out in full force on Saturday and rally behind the players as they strive to secure a place in the finals.
