Samuela Ratavola, one of the first Fijian to sign with the Kikau Academy under Australia’s Bankstown Bulldogs, is back home and training with the Fiji national under-18 rugby league squad during his off-season, determined to help them beat Tonga.
The 18-year-old from Deuba, with maternal links to Vanua Levu, attends Vashist Muni College in Navua.
He made history in2023 after coming through the Fiji Academy system.
“I’m here for a short break before I go back in November,” Ratavola said after their training session at Albert Park yesterday.
“Preparation with the boys has been great. There are only a few days left before the Tonga clash and we’re still working on our kicks, passing drills and building chemistry.”
He said communication was a challenge at first, as many of the players were meeting for the first time.
“Not everyone knew each other, so it was tough at first, but we’ve been trying hard to gel as a team,” he said.
Ratavola also reflected on the difference in playing standards overseas.
“It’s fast-paced over there. Everyone knows the fundamentals, and that’s something I struggled with when I first arrived,” he said.
“That’s when I realised what coach meant when he kept talking about basics.”
He said Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata always reminded him of two things, to listen and be disciplined.
“The coach always says, if you do that, everything else will fall into place.”
Ratavola hopes to play his part in helping Fiji secure a win.
“I just want to contribute to the team and help us get the win on game day,” he said.
Meanwhile Fiji will host Tonga for the first time on Saturday.
