Rugby league pathway

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Former Fiji 7s rep Taniela Sadrugu learning the basics of rugby league at Albert Park in Suva yesterday. He leaves for Australia tomorrow. Picture: JONA KONATACI

The Fiji National Rugby League is heading for an exciting future after offers had been received from abroad for some Fijian players.

Fiji Bati head coach Jo Rabele said FNRL was heading in the right direction with the inclusion of local-based players for overseas contracts.

He said it could pave the way into making the Fiji Bati side a world champion one day.

“We are sending Fiji 7s rep Taniela Sadrugu and Iosefo Masi plus a player from Nasinu Secondary School who is 18 years old on Friday,” Rabele said.

“Gabriel Tunimakubu of Queen Victoria School and Mosese Luveitasau Jr will follow later.

Rabele said he was excited because the selection of players were from the schools level where players would be trained under National Rugby League environment in Australia.

“They will mature in the next five years and that’s good for Fiji. I am happy that they are selecting from our school system. It shows our development and the God-given talents these players have.

“They are all going to join the Cowboys and the good news is that in one instance, an NRL club is grabbing all these players.

“Offers are also in line for other players including Pio Seci to France.”

Rabele and his coaching team had been training the players for three weeks, especially Sadrgu, who does not have any rugby league experience.

They were joined by their parents in a small farewell lunch yesterday in Suva.

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