Defending champions Naitasiri Secondary School kicked off their title defense in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League with a convincing 26-8 win over Bua Secondary School in the eastern zone competition. The team’s head coach, Rusiate Talebulamai, acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead this season as they strive to retain their trophy.
Talebulamai emphasized that the team had returned to basics in their training, fostering unity and alignment in their efforts. He remarked, “They are feeling good. They know they have a lot of expectations this year,” underscoring the seriousness with which they approached their first match, treating it as if it were the final.
Financial difficulties have emerged as a significant challenge for the team, affecting their player support and training programs. Moreover, the school’s schedule limits training time to an hour or less each afternoon.
The coach highlighted the importance of discipline, both in academics and on the field. “The key focus is to let God first in their lives and also in our program,” he stated, emphasizing that instilling discipline among the players is a top priority.
Talebulamai also reached out to Naitasiri Secondary School supporters, appealing for their continued backing in the upcoming matches, which will be crucial for their pursuit of another championship.
This season’s competition is filled with ambitious teams, including Natabua High School, which has shown strong performances in other categories. Natabua’s Under-18 girls rugby team is also focused on discipline and skill enhancement as they prepare for their upcoming semi-finals. This highlights a synergy among local schools to elevate their performance across different categories.
As schools rally around their teams, the spirit of competition in Fiji’s secondary school rugby league is sparking optimism and unity in the community, showcasing the talent and dedication of young athletes across the nation.
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