The Dee Cees Nadera Panthers are concentrating on player development to help them secure rugby league contracts with overseas teams. Panthers manager Rodney Nair shared this vision during an interview with SUNsports.
“We don’t retain our players once they sign with a rugby league club abroad,” Nair stated. He noted that this season features a new set of players.
Nair mentioned that the team has had to adapt its strategy this season, as many players have a background in rugby union, which has presented certain challenges. “Our coach Vula Dakuitoga has faced difficulties in assembling the team and getting them to this level,” he added. Dakuitoga is recognized as one of Fiji’s most successful rugby league coaches.
Despite these challenges, the Panthers have advanced to the Vodafone Cup national quarterfinals, where they will compete against the newcomers, the Waitaci Titans. “Our goal is to play at our best and attempt to reclaim the title we lost. We trust in our abilities, understanding the intensity of the situation,” stated Nair.
Nair expressed confidence in the players as they prepare for the match at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park. “The coach believes in the team because they have shown a positive attitude towards their diet and training.”
Nair also encouraged Nadera rugby league fans to come out and support the Panthers as they aim to make history in the Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup. Additionally, he mentioned that four players have departed the club to join the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Navy.