THE Nadi Police Rugby Club have achieved its first major target of the season by securing promotion to the Super Premier competition.
The side has claimed the DEII Challenge Trophy and intends to defend it for the remainder of the season.
Team manager Jason Rokobuli says the side is determined to finish the job by claiming top spot in the TISA Insurance Nadi Rugby Union Competition.
Police sit second on the standings with 63 points after 16 rounds last weekend, trailing leaders Nawaka Rugby on 72 points.
Both teams, along with Korotabu Rugby at 3rd place with 60 points have secured its promotion to the Super Premier grade next season.
Rokobuli said the club entered the season with clear objectives and was pleased to have already achieved one of them.
“Our target at the start of the season was to finish in the top four, and we have managed to do that,” he said.
“We are the owners of the DEII Challenge Trophy now and we are keeping it this year. The next target is to try and top the Premier table so we can challenge for the TISA Insurance Trophy in the Super Premier category, which is currently held by Naduruniu Rugby Club.”
Despite several key players being unavailable due to higher representative duties, Rokobuli remains confident in the squad’s depth.
He said many of the club’s top players are involved with the McDonald’s Nadi Rugby team and the Western Police side, leaving the remaining squad members with an opportunity to step up.
“We are relying on the boys we have now to do the job for us this week and in the next game,” he said.
Rokobuli urged his players to remain committed to the goals established before the season began.
“I just want the boys to stay focused on the targets we set before the season. We know they can do the job for us.”
Rokobuli called on the public to continue supporting the Fiji Police Force in its fight against crime, saying rugby provides young people with opportunities to build better futures.
“Through rugby, youths are getting opportunities to secure jobs overseas, earn a living and create a better future for themselves. That is one positive way we can help steer them away from drugs and crime,” he said.
From the TISA Insurance Nadi Rugby Union Super Premier category, Naduruniu Rugby along with Mosi Rugby, Korobebe Rugby and Nabila Rugby have been demoted to the Premier category next season.
