The Dee Cees Nadera Panthers are prioritizing the development of their players to help them secure rugby league contracts with overseas clubs. This was highlighted by Panthers manager Rodney Nair in an interview with SUNsports.
“We don’t retain our players once they secure jobs or sign with rugby league clubs abroad,” Nair stated. He noted that this season features a revamped team.
Nair explained that the team had to adapt their strategies this year, as many of their players have backgrounds in rugby union, which presented several challenges. “It was quite difficult for our coach Vula Dakuitoga to gather the players and prepare them to this level,” he said, adding that Dakuitoga is one of the most accomplished 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 newcomers Waitaci Titans. “Our goal is to perform at our best and reclaim our lost title. We have faith in ourselves, understanding how intense the competition is,” remarked Nair.
He expressed confidence in the players’ capabilities as they prepare to face the Titans at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. “The coach believes in the players because their commitment to diet and training has been commendable. We encourage Nadera rugby league fans to come out and witness the Panthers make history in the Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup.”
Nair also mentioned that four players from the team have transitioned to join the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Navy.