Teaching fundamental rugby league skills to budding players is essential for cultivating a skilled talent pool in the Northern Division. This message was articulated by Fiji Bati head coach, Wise Kativerata, during a recent interview where he reflected on a two-day basic training workshop held in Labasa.
Kativerata emphasized the need to change the perception among young athletes that rugby sevens and fifteens are the only respected forms of the game. He highlighted that rugby league is an expanding sport that offers abundant opportunities for emerging talents to develop and achieve professional careers.
He mentioned notable success stories from the North, such as players Semi Valemi and Semi Radradra, who have reached the heights of the Australian National Rugby League (NRL). “Rugby league is straightforward, but mastering its fundamentals is crucial for player success,” Kativerata explained.
Looking toward the future, he was optimistic about the prospects for Northern-based players aspiring to join professional clubs abroad. He asserted that grassroots development is crucial, urging the introduction of players as young as 14 to the sport. His vision includes a six-year initiative by the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) to expand the sport’s reach in Vanua Levu and other maritime islands beyond Viti Levu.
Motu Lalagavesi, a participant and coach for the Macuata women’s rugby team, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport, noting its appeal to women. “Women should embrace this sport, as the six-tackle rule is fascinating and makes it enjoyable to play,” she remarked.
Furthermore, Northern State Rugby League interim president, Alan Tuinasoni, has encouraged the 22 clubs within the division to prioritize the establishment of women’s teams. The Labasa and Dreketi zones stand out as proactive areas for development, with Labasa fielding eight clubs and Dreketi-Seaqaqa equally representing eight, while Bua has six clubs.
This concerted effort to promote rugby league, particularly among women and youth, presents a promising future for the sport in Fiji, fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes can thrive.
In summary, rugby league is gaining traction in the Northern Division, with a structured plan for development focusing on youth and women. This initiative can significantly enhance the standard and reach of the sport, potentially leading to increased participation and success at local and international levels.
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