SUVA under-20 captain and number eight Isoa Koroinawai and winger Alexander Ledger have emerged as two players to watch after strength and conditioning coach Neori Buli identified them as potential senior-level prospects following their side’s 50-21 Skipper Cup victory over Lautoka at Bidesi Park on Saturday.
While Koroinawai impressed with his leadership and composure, Ledger put his name firmly in the spotlight with a hat-trick that helped Suva pull away from Lautoka.
Ledger crossed in the 41st, 57th and 71st minutes as the young Suva side produced a strong attacking display.
Buli said the pair’s ability to control the game and remain composed under pressure showed they had qualities that could translate to senior rugby.
“The way they control the game, their exposure and their experience on the field make it seem like they’ve been playing for quite some time,” Buli said.
“They need to be recognised and given an opportunity to move up to the senior level.”
For Ledger, however, the focus remained firmly on the team rather than his individual performance.
He said the three tries were a reflection of the work put in by the entire squad during the week.
“The effort the boys put in during the week showed today,” Ledger said.
“It wasn’t just an individual try. It was teamwork.”
The winger’s contribution came as Suva U20 maintained pressure on Lautoka and finished with 50 points.
Despite the convincing victory, Ledger admitted there was still room for improvement after Suva was reduced to 13 players at different stages of the match following two yellow cards.
“We did good today, but we had two yellow cards,” he said.
“We’ll try to improve on that next week.”
For Koroinawai and Ledger, the performance provides another opportunity to demonstrate their potential as they continue their development within the Suva system.
Ledger, who is of Tongan heritage and has maternal links to Ra, said the team would now turn its attention to maintaining the same intensity while correcting its disciplinary lapses.
He also acknowledged the support of the coaches, teammates, family, friends and supporters who have followed the team throughout its campaign.
“I want to give a shout-out to the people watching and our supporters, the coaches, the boys, and our family and friends,” he said.
With another round ahead, the challenge for Suva’s young players is to back up their performance and continue knocking on the door of senior rugby.
