Former Fiji Bati representative Orisi Loco believes aspiring rugby league players are fortunate to have pathways available to them now.
Loco, who hails from Kiuva, Bau in Tailevu played rugby league in his prime years, featuring for the Fiji Bati in 1998.
He took up the sport while studying at Cathedral Secondary School, now known as Sacred Heart College, where he played in the Fiji Secondary School rugby league competition.
Loco also played for the Nausori Bulldogs alongside former national representatives including Anasa Koroitamana and Pio Kubuwai. He played four Tests for the Bati against Tonga and the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in 1998 before securing a contract with New South Wales club, Tumut Blues.
Sharing his journey, Loco said during his time, there was no clear pathway for them to develop their skills and get opportunities to play overseas.
“I’m very pleased with the progress of the sport and how doors are opening for this current crop of players. They can easily get an offer overseas because they have a platform to showcase and develop their talent.
“I’ve seen so many young men head over to Australia to play rugby league and it’s a proud moment for me as a former Fijian player to see them reaching newer heights.
It’s always encouraging to see a young Fijian boy in overseas, working and playing hard every week just to take care of his family back home.”
With more investment and resources, the sport will elevate to a standard that will be reflected through the performance of any player.
“Australia has age-groups where kids learn about the rules and laws of the game and Fiji is shaping closer to that because we are exposed to more competitions overseas and more exposure to overseas clubs.
“The Kaiviti Silktails is a prime example of that because they get to learn young, they’re trained in an environment that gets them mentally and physically ready for that level of professionalism when they secure a contract.
This will mean that when they do get a contract, they’re well versed with the laws of the game, and they have the skills to play it.”
Loco resides in Young, NSW with his family and is in Fiji for the holidays.
