Logging Company Backs Rabbitohs
Sabeto-based club rewards 2017 top performers during annual awards night
Premier Logging Company has stepped in to sponsor the Ravoravo Rabbitohs rugby league club for the 2018 season.
The announcement was made on Friday night by Premier Logging representative Jim Saukuru during the club’s second annual awards night at Sabeto village in Nadi.
Although the amount of money was not disclosed, Saukuru says, this was a partnership between the company and the vanua of Sabeto.
“We aim to work together and to win,” he said.
“We’ve many boys in Sabeto and now we have two teams and they’re vanua based- teams. The sponsorship opens up anything that is required for the team. This company has sponsored the Sabeto Roosters before.
“There is a great need for the team to be transparent. This partnership will assist the boys so that they don’t become drunkards, being idle or involved in criminal activities.”
Rabbitohs manager Sitiveni Vuniyayawa said this was a milestone achievement.
“We’re now living a testimony, of this partnership, we’re thankful to the sponsors. It was an open discussion and will bring good things in time to come. We will push right to the end and that remain part and parcel of rugby league.” He thanked veteran coach Vela Tawake who first started with the Sabeto Roosters about 10 years ago.
“We also thank the supporters who braved to be part of the team. We came a long way since 2015 and last year we won the senior reserve and this year we reached the final.”
TOP PERFORMER
Former Vodafone Fijian Bati forward Tikiko Noke scooped the Premier Grade’s Best Player Award.
“This is something great as we reached the final this season, however, I dedicate the award to the players,” Noke said.
“I’m hopeful that this team will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. We can produce players to compete at international level.”
Many felt Noke should have made the Fijian Bati side to the Rugby League World Cup after a powerhouse performance during the Battle of the Bati.
He began his rugby league career with the Lautoka Crushers in 2009. At the age of 17 he featured in the senior grade. In 2013 Noke played for Makoi Bulldogs and later made the Fijian Bati side to the RLWC in London.
In 2014 he was part of Saru Dragons that won the Vodafone National Club Championship. In 2015/16 he played for South Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup competition.
AWARD WINNERS - Best Player Award (Forward):
Josateki Savau
- Best Player Award (Backline):
Etueta Vunivalu
- Senior Reserve Best Player:
Laisiasa Cama
- Under-18 Best Player:
Josese Saukuru
- Under-16 Best Player:
Sairusi Tunidrala
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua