Laughter and camaraderie filled the atmosphere as the Saukuru family prepared for a memorable moment during Round 12 of the Jersey Flegg Cup over the weekend. However, as soon as the match commenced, the focus shifted entirely to the game. Solomone Saukuru donned the Wests Tigers jersey, while his father, who is a coaching mentor for the Kaiviti Silktails, observed keenly from the sidelines.
Playing close to their hometown of Nadi, this match transcended the ordinary and evolved into a significant milestone for both father and son. At just 20 years old, Solomone expressed his ambition to develop his skills further, with the ultimate goal of representing Fiji on the international rugby stage. He remarked, “Hopefully I play NRL but also hope to play for Fiji Bati, play for my home country and play for my people.”
Reflecting on the match-up, Solomone noted the enjoyment of facing his father’s team while also acknowledging the seriousness of competition after the whistle blew. He stated, “My father is the assistant coach for Silktails, we were joking around before the game, but when the game is on you know it’s all serious business but yeah it was all good.”
His father shared the unique experience of coaching against his son for the first time, expressing pride in Solomone’s development as he gears up for his third full year in NRL. He commented, “Well done to him, he played alright… He really wants to play for Fiji Bati, and that’s a big goal of his, and I support him in every way.”
Currently, the Wests Tigers sit in 8th place on the ladder and are set to clash with the Sharks this Saturday. On the same day, the Kaiviti Silktails will host the Bulldogs at Churchill Park in Lautoka, coinciding with various local rugby competitions. This busy weekend underscores the vibrant rugby culture in Fiji, highlighting its importance in fostering talent and community spirit.
The anticipation surrounding these matches reflects the hope that local teams can inspire the next generation of athletes, contributing to the growth and resilience of rugby in Fiji. The intertwining stories of family, competition, and ambition serve as a reminder of the passion that unites players and fans alike in this beloved sport.
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