Naiyala High School (NHS) has made a significant comeback to the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) after a three-year absence, celebrating this return with remarkable victories from both its under-15 and under-17 teams. The school marked the occasion with a hard-fought 6-0 win by the under-17 team against Ratu Simione Matanitobua College, while the under-15 side achieved a 10-4 victory over the same opponents earlier in the day.
The school’s participation in the competition had been curtailed due to financial difficulties that prevented them from competing in previous seasons. U17 coach Siaki Baba explained that NHS, being a smaller school with limited resources, faced challenges when competing against larger institutions. However, recent academic achievements, including a remarkable 100% pass rate among year 13 students in last year’s external exams, have revitalized the school spirit, allowing them to field two teams this year.
Coach Baba highlighted that the primary aim extends beyond just winning; it also encompasses providing vital experience and exposure for the students. He noted, “Our goal is not just to compete, but to win and expose these boys to the expected level of competition. We are also aware that there are scouts around watching these young boys who are playing every weekend. If there are some scouts here, at least some of our boys can get scouted.”
Despite the successful start, Baba recognized that there are areas needing improvement, particularly in tackling techniques and overall technical skills, especially given the smaller size of the players from NHS. He emphasized the need for focus on these aspects to enhance competitiveness in future matches, stating, “The first half was tough, and we need to focus on improving our tackling and technical approach to be more competitive.”
In his appeal for support, Coach Baba reached out to the Naiyala community and alumni for assistance, particularly in terms of financial aid and food provisions for the players during competitions. “We need your support in terms of finance and food, especially for the boys’ lunches,” he urged.
Naiyala High School’s return to the rugby league is not just a testament to their resilience but also a beacon of hope for its students, promising a bright future filled with opportunities on and off the field.
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