The Dee Cees Nadera Panthers are concentrating on player development 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 mentioned that this season features a new lineup of players.
He explained that the team had to readjust its strategies this season, noting that most of their players historically played rugby union, which presented several challenges. “It was pretty hard for our coach Vula Dakuitoga to get players together and build them up to this stage,” he added. Dakuitoga is recognized as one of the most successful rugby league coaches in Fiji.
Despite these challenges, the Panthers have earned a place in the Vodafone Cup national quarterfinals, where they will compete against new contenders, the Waitaci Titans. “Our aim is to play to the best of our ability and try to reclaim our lost title. We believe in ourselves as we know how intense the situation is,” Nair remarked.
He expressed confidence that the players are poised to win against the Titans at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, citing their commitment to training and dietary discipline. Nair also called on 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.
Furthermore, Nair confirmed that four players have departed the club to join the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Navy.