“WITH God, everything is possible” will serve as the motivating mantra for Ra High School as they aim to defend their title in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) competition. As the reigning champions, they embark on their journey to retain the prestigious U19 championship.
Last year, Ra High School emerged from obscurity in a remarkable underdog story, surprising many by defeating established rugby powerhouses and cementing their place in the high school rugby league hierarchy. Captain Penasio Waqa Tematema acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead as the new season kicks off this weekend.
The preparation for the upcoming matches has not been without obstacles. Tematema conveys the hardships faced by the team, including limited food supplies and insufficient rest, yet their resolve remains strong. “As defending champions, our preparation back at school has been in full force,” he stated. “Although it has been difficult at times, we trained every day. When some students felt discouraged and considered quitting, we reminded them of our motto, ‘With God, all things are possible,’ to encourage them to persevere.”
While the core of last season’s victorious squad remains intact, the team is acutely aware that this year’s competition will be more intense, with rivals eager to dethrone the champions. Tematema emphasized, “We will not underestimate or look down on any of our opponents; all teams know the game, and we will put forth our best efforts against everyone.”
As they begin their title defense, the team is filled with anticipation and determination. “With the hard yards done and the Lord on our side, we will do what we, the Ra people, do best—that is ‘Mae na Mae’ (no matter what, we will pursue our cause),” he confidently declared.
The spirit of resilience and faith that Ra High School embodies sets a hopeful tone as they prepare to face their challenges head-on, with the intention of inspiring others along the way.
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