Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League players are being encouraged to showcase their skills as Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata and his selection team search for promising talent. Kativerata, a former Fiji Bati captain, monitored the first round of the Eastern Zone competition in Suva last weekend, with other coaching staff scouting in different areas across the country for the next rugby stars.
Kativerata expressed his satisfaction with the improvements he observed during the matches, stating, “First of all, what I saw in Suva last weekend is much improvement compared to last year and the year before. The teams now playing rugby league don’t play the rugby union style, so they complete their six tackles and then kick.” This shift in play style is a positive sign for the future of rugby league in Fiji.
Following the tournaments, Kativerata will select players to train at his development academies, as part of an ongoing effort to nurture emerging talent. He plans to visit Vanua Levu this weekend for further scouting, while his staff will cover other zones across Fiji.
In a related initiative, Wise Kativerata recently led a training workshop in Labasa, emphasizing the importance of solid foundational knowledge in rugby league. He aims to shift the perception that rugby sevens and fifteens are the only respected forms of rugby by demonstrating that rugby league also offers valuable opportunities. Highlighting the success stories of players from the North like Semi Valemi and Semi Radradra, he aims to inspire young athletes.
Moreover, the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) is working on a six-year project to promote the sport’s growth, focusing on grassroots development and involvement from both boys and girls. Northern State Rugby League interim president Alan Tuinasoni has also stressed the need for clubs to prioritize women’s participation.
This collective effort to enhance rugby league in Fiji reflects a commitment to both inclusivity and player development, suggesting a bright future for aspiring athletes in the sport. The upcoming competitions and initiatives are expected to not only increase participation but also build a foundation for future professionals in rugby league.
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