THE Fiji Residents lost their first encounter against the visiting National Rugby League (NRL) Affiliated States 24-18 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last night.
The hosts led 14-8 at the break but experience, determination and professionalism in the game from the visitors showed the chink in the home boys’ armour in the first of two encounters.
Last night was a test for the Vodafone Fiji Residents in the lead-up to the upcoming internationals and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
Fiji started well against the visitors but dozed off in the later spell to give the NRL Affiliated States a come-from-behind victory.
Coach Josaia Rabele said the loss was because of their own mistakes.
The NRL Affiliated States scored the first try to Shae Ahfook with Tyron Cranston converting to put their name early on the board 6-0.
Minutes later, the Residents replied via Ilisavani Jegesa under the crossbars with Etuate Qionimacawa booting the equaliser. An excruciating game for both teams as they worked fearlessly to pierce through each other’s defence.
Residents were given a penalty which Qionimacawa booted for an extra two points, but it was not long that the same opportunity was given to the visitors where Cranston tied the game again.
A few minutes away from the break, younger brother of Qionimacawa, Mosese, went for another try to boost the Residents to 14-8 at half-time.
Coming back into the game rejuvenated after a pep talk from coach Merg Mikaelian who said his boys seemed to be panicking at the first spell; the visitors scored through co-captain Leon Rotuma.
Fiji replied when Maika Senilevu went in for a four pointer, but it was not enough as the Australian selecttion went for a double to co-captain Delaine Edwards and Patrick O’Keefe to win.
The two teams meet again on Friday at Lawaqa Park.
