Naitasiri Secondary School, the reigning champions, began their defense of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League title with an impressive 26-8 victory over Bua Secondary School in the eastern zone competition. Head coach Rusiate Talebulamai acknowledged that the road ahead will be challenging as the team aims to retain their championship title.
Talebulamai noted that the team has refocused on fundamental training, promoting unity and coherence in their efforts. “They are feeling good. They know they have a lot of expectations this year,” he shared, emphasizing that they approached the first match with the intensity of a finals game.
The team is grappling with financial constraints that are impacting player support and training opportunities, and a tight school schedule only permits an hour or less of practice each afternoon. Despite these hurdles, the coach underscored the critical importance of discipline, both academically and on the field. “The key focus is to let God first in their lives and also in our program,” he stated, prioritizing discipline as a crucial aspect of their training.
Talebulamai also reached out to Naitasiri Secondary School supporters, encouraging them to maintain their support during the crucial matches ahead in their championship pursuit.
This season, the competition is steep, with ambitious teams such as Natabua High School also making headlines with their strong performances in various categories. Notably, Natabua’s Under-18 girls rugby team is concentrating on discipline and skill improvement as they prepare for their semi-finals, indicating a broader movement amongst local schools to enhance their athletic capabilities.
The robust spirit of competition in Fiji’s secondary school rugby league is fostering optimism and unity within communities, showcasing the dedication, talent, and potential of young athletes across the nation. This collective striving towards excellence serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of sports in bringing people together.
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