The Dee Cees Nadera Panthers are focused on developing their players to help them secure rugby league contracts with international clubs. This was highlighted by Panthers manager Rodney Nair in an interview with SUNsports.
Nair stated, “We don’t hold on to our players as soon as they find employment or play for a rugby league club overseas.” He noted that this season features a new team composition.
Given that many of their players traditionally played rugby union, Nair mentioned the challenges they have faced in restructuring this season. “It was pretty hard for our coach Vula Dakuitoga to get players together and build them up to this stage. Dakuitoga is one of the most successful rugby league coaches in Fiji.”
Despite these challenges, the Panthers have made it to the Vodafone Cup national quarterfinals, where they will compete against the newcomers, the Waitaci Titans. Nair emphasized their goal of performing at their best to reclaim their lost title, expressing confidence in their ability to face the Titans at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park.
“The coach has confidence in the players because their attitude towards diet and training has been good,” Nair added. He 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.
Nair also noted that four players have departed the club to join the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Navy.