Western rugby league clubs are preparing for an intense contest as they go head-to-head against teams from the Suva/Nasinu zone in the Vodafone Cup National Elimination Round at Lawaqa Park.
Sixteen clubs from both zones will be competing today, with nine teams from Suva/Nasinu and seven from the West vying for a place in the Vodafone Cup quarter-finals scheduled for next week.
The Western clubs include the defending champions, Saru Dragons, alongside the Ravoravo Rabbitohs, West Coast Storm, Namoli West Tigers, Waitaci Titans, Conua Kingfisher, and Laselase Cowboys.
Every team has been diligently preparing for this pivotal stage of the tournament.
Jone Wesele, the Fiji National Rugby League West development officer, highlighted that the Saru Dragons are focused on defending their title.
“Saru Dragons are determined to retain their championship, and they face tough competition from other Western teams such as Ravoravo Rabbitohs and Namoli West Tigers. The Western clubs are not just participating for the sake of numbers; they are thoroughly preparing to win,” Wesele remarked.
Last year saw only two Western teams advance to the quarter-finals, but this time they aim to improve on that figure and secure additional spots.