Teen off to Aust League
Teenager Mosese Luveitasau Junior is the youngest to secure a rugby league scholarship offshore.
This year’s Nasinu Secondary School Panthers Under-15 captain has secured a scholarship with the North Queensland Cowboys academy.
Yesterday, he was part of a training session at Albert Park with Cowboys new signings, Taniela Sadrugu and Tokyo gold medallist, Iosefo Masi under the watchful eyes of Fiji Bati coach Jo Rabele.
Namesake and dad, former national 15s and sevens rugby union rep Luveitasau senior, said: “I thank God for the talent He has given my namesake; the difference is while I am into union he is into rugby league.”
The proud Nabukaluka, Waimaro, Naitasiri native said this was start of a great journey for his son.
“He changed course when he attended Nasinu. Rugby league became his favourite,” the former Flying Fijians winger said.
“He’s my only child. He excelled in the code in his age group and we support him all the way.
“This is a good opportunity for him as a 15-year- old. He has a long way to go and that journey starts with this first step.”
This is the third year Luveitasau Junior is playing rugby league. The utility forward had led the NSS Panthers Under-15 to victory in the finals of the Fiji Secondary School Rugby League this year.
They won 10-6 win over Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute Dragons at the ANZ Stadium on April 17, where he was also awarded the best player.
Fiji National Rugby League chief executive officer Don Natabe said Luveitasau Junior’s scholarship
was a positive indication that the code has a wealthy pool of players who can strive to get overseas opportunities.
“Scouts and agents frequent our shores and to have a teenager picked up during this time is a positive sign,” Natabe said.
Luveitasau Snr said: “It is a game that he adores and love. Even at home, there is no other thing that he sets his focus on but rugby league.
“When he reaches the age of 20, he will be matured as there will be a lot of development as well.
“As his father, I am here to support him in whatever path he chooses. He is my only child.
“He always dreamed of playing professional one day.”
His father, who played for the Cardiff Blues, in England has advised him to always focus on God and everything would fall into place.
“The most important advice that I tell him is to prioritise God in everything that he does,” he said.
“To always listen and respect everyone as part of the team especially when you will be among senior players.
“I always tell him that I have been through professional rugby – you will be criticised, but you should persevere.
“Only you will know the best thing about perseverance and it will show. We all cannot be in the village. The village will always be here and you will come back to it anytime.
“You have the key to this opportunity – it is a way to earn and support your future.”
Meanwhile, Sadrugu and Masi are expected to leave the country next Friday.