Last week I shared how Vereniki Naureure lived his life as a boy growing up in a Fijian village until a phone call from Australia changed his life.
Until today Naureure said words of advice and blessings at the age of 14 before he flew to Sydney and then up to Perth to join his new family remained with him this day.
Despite being homesick , Vereniki remembers the pledge he made to his father. I told my dad that one day I would play for either Australia or Fiji.
“I will make you proud dad and thankful for allowing me this opportunity to follow my dreams,” the former Soloira District School student said.
He attended Aranmore Catholic College for two years before moving to Coffs Habour at Bishops Drutt College.
He was selected in country schools selection to play for the NSW Blue Gen Warratahs team with academy players and impressed the Warratahs.
He made the NSW U18 Blue Gen team last year. Naureure has been approached by Sydney clubs including Eastern Suburbs and is part of the Warratahs Academy for 2021. He has now showed selectors and coaches what the Rose family saw in him and has been impressive in all the games he played in.
Last year The Daily Telegraph released the top 10 youngsters who are being eyed by scouts to join the Shute Shield rugby teams in Sydney with no surprise, Naureure’s name was on the list . He said he had been approached by Sydney clubs such as the Eastern Suburbs and had been invited to join the Warratahs Academy this year.
He has the calibre of former Naitasiri and national players Nasoni Roko, Lemeki Duidomo, Levani Botia, Mosese Luveitasau, France strongman Virimi Vakatawa and the late Lemeki Koroi .
“I just want to keep my feet on the ground, continue my education and pursue my rugby career,” he said.
“I would love to play in the Shute Shield and to be part of the Warratahs Academy is a part of the journey to fulfilling my dreams.”
Naureure is a promising young player who has a great sense of maturity and has the making of a robust looseforward.
“I did a speech last year at my school and one thing I mentioned that day was, it is important to take the opportunity we get in life, so yeah I’m just going to try my best to play for Australia one day”.
He said he made a promise to his parents that he would make them proud one day.
“I idolise David Pocock while growing up and my dream is to be in his footsteps.” He said he loved his parents and siblings.
“To my siblings, just listen to mum, dad respect any people you met in life,” he said.
“And also keep working hard no matter what happens. “Not too many people could walk a mile in your shoes, only your struggles, challenges and obstacles. So be proud of how far you have come,” Naureure said.
Those are the words of advice Vereniki Naureure wants to relay to students who are after their big dreams. Despite being homesick, his new home away from home gave him the guts to pursue his promise to his father –
“I will one day play for either Australia or Fiji. I will make you proud dad.”
With his parents not holding too much in allowing him for the trip Down Under, Naureure, who was 14 at the time thank his dad.
“I am thankful to my parents for allowing me this opportunity to follow my dreams,” the former Soloira District School student said.
When he landed in Australia he said he knew nothing about his new home but credits Angus and Sarah Rose family for the kind “feel at home” hospitality.
