THE Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s has unearthed a new rugby 7s star in Wardens playmaker Kitione Taliga.
The Dratabu, Nadi, native stole the show scoring four wonderful tries in the final to help his team down Army Green 33-19 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
Taliga’s superb display also won him the best player award and the icing on the cake was his selection in the Vodafone Fiji 7s 18-member squad to prepare for the HSBC World Sevens Series.
Elated with his performance, the former Ratu Navula College student is also hopeful of fulfilling his rugby dream by playing alongside his Dratabu cousin Samisoni Viriviri in the national team.
He also attributed his success to his teammates who enabled him to perform above expectation against renowned names in the Army team such as Emosi Mulevoro, Aminiasi Nava and Jiuta Takubu.
Taliga said the win and his selection in the Fiji 7s team was an early birthday present.
“I wanted to prove my worth in the final and I thank my teammates for giving me the opportunity to fully utilise my talents,” he said.
“Scoring four tries in the final is special and to be named the best player and also selected in the national side is a dream come true.
“I will be celebrating my 22nd birthday on Tuesday and this achievement will be my perfect birthday gift.”
Taliga said his aim was to play alongside his cousin and France-based Samisoni Viriviri in the national 7s team.
He said he was looking forward to a tussle for the final 12-member spot at the upcoming England and Scotland 7s tournaments.
“This is a breakthrough in my rugby career and I am confident of being included in the final 12-member team for the last leg of the World 7s series.
“I have been working hard to reach this far and there is no turning back now but to make my family proud and be selected for national duties.”
Taliga’s Wardens team defeated Tokatoka Westfield Dragons 17-14 in the semi-final while Army ousted Yamacia 15-12 in the other match.
Wardens also won the first prizemoney of $10,000 while Army received $3,000.
Police National defeated Wardens Green 21-10 to win the Plate while Setefano Cakau’s Tabadamu side thumped Natabua 52-7 to win the Bowl title.
Hideaway Hurricanes defeated Kula Young Boys 31-10 in the Shield final while Semisi Naevo’s Nawaka Golden Oldies pipped Big Bula Lions 26-12 in the Oldies final.
Suva’s Striders defeated Nadi Blazers 15-12 to win the women’s division.
