Siva is the pride of Sabeto, says dad
Fijian-born United Kingdom rugby league star Siva Naulago was denied watching weekly rugby club games while growing up.
Every Saturday when villagers go to watch the Ravoravo rugby team play in the Nadi Rugby Union’s club competition, Siva and his elder brother Kini would be out weeding in their cassava farm. Couple of times, they would accompany their cousins to watch the club games but their dad, Jona Saturu Naulago, would chase them home.
Naulago, 59, who works for Fiji Airport Limited yesterday told SUN sports that he was proud of his son’s success.
“I always make sure that they weed our cassava patch instead of watching the games,” he said.
“In their anger they would fight with their mother and even stoned our roof but I usually controlled them when I return from playing. “Now I’m proud of his achievements. He has brought honour to his family, Momo na Tui Sabeto and the people of Betoraurau
SWITCH TO UNION
Siva dubbed the ‘Tank on the Flank’ this week switched to rugby union by signing up with Bristol Bears for next year’s competition. “Before he made the move he asked for my opinion too.
“My advice to him is to play for any club, treat it as an investment, weigh the options and go for the best but the time to play is always limited as far as age goes.”
He added that Siva is the first from Sabeto to have played in a top competition like the Super League and
English Premiership.
“What I always try to instil in him was to improve the life of his family. Life in the village is full of unemployed youths and they do end up in the wrong crowd.” said Naulago.
“Siva did support the team when I was the coach. He donated a new set of jersey and kit for the team,” he said.
Siva is the second child of three siblings and his cousin Isei Lewaqai, was a former national 7s rep.
He attended Namaka Public
School before moving to Swami Vivekananda College.
He did not complete his Trade Electronics programme at the Fiji National University when he had to join the British Army at the age of 18.