Teenager Timoci Nagusa Junior is currently in Sydney attending a one-week trial at the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs academy camp.
The 14-year-old from Dratabu, Nadi is forging his own path and has no intention of relying on the legacy of his father, a former Flying Fijian. A newcomer to rugby league, Nagusa Jnr has already competed in the Milo Kaji competition and is known as a competitive athlete.
At Marist Brothers High School, he holds the sub-junior boy’s shot put record with a throw of 15.04 meters. He is also a member of the school’s Under-14 rugby union team.
“Rugby league is a completely different game with its own style and rules. It’s been an eye-opener. Nothing is impossible if the mind is open and the heart is willing,” Nagusa Jnr expressed.
“The NRL atmosphere is really ‘wowza’.”
His mother, Makereta Losalini Tuilevuka, described the Australian trip as a marvelous sign of God’s work in their lives.
“Timoci had no prior knowledge of the game, and now I am amazed at his progress. The Canterbury Bulldogs are testing him, and he will return with a program to follow. He wants to be back before Saturday as his Marist U14 team is in the semi-final.”
From Sydney, Nagusa Jnr said, “I will take one opportunity at a time and work hard. The game is new, and I need to get used to it. My mother has always supported me, and I aim to make her proud.”
Nagusa Jnr was born in Montpellier, France and lived there for five years.
His talent was initially spotted by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata, who took him to the Bulldogs camp. Kativerata noted that listening is often a challenge for young players, but Nagusa Jnr stood out for his attentiveness despite his age.
“Listening is a huge challenge for our players,” Kativerata said. “When we take Under-16 and U17 players, they often do not listen, but this kid is just 14 and he is good. I’ve been watching him since he played in the Kaji competition.”
NRL superstar Viliame Kikau is providing Nagusa Jnr with tips and guidance on schedules and the dos and don’ts of the game.
“When he returns, we will have a conversation,” Kativerata said. “He has the talent; we need to nurture him slowly and carefully for him to shine.”