Unbeaten Knights face unpredictable Warriors
Queen Victoria School Knights has made the semifinals of all Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League grades to be played at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, today.
In the Under-19 grade the unbeaten Knights face an unpredictable Naitasiri Warriors, who also has
been on a winning run. The Warriors made the semifinal after being held 20-20 by Ra High Roosters in the quarters but only qualified since they scored the first try as per competition rules.
The other U19 semifinal is between Ratu Kadavulevu Eels who take on giant killers Ba Provincial Freebird Institute Dragons. The Dragons ousted defended champions Nasinu Panthers 16-8 in the quarterfinals.
Marist Brothers High School Storm is in the U15 and U17 semifinals as well.
FSSRL acting president Naisa Cama Toko said a good number of students have been identified at last week’s quarterfinal meet in Tavua by scouts from NRL club, North Queensland Cowboys.
“We’re blessed to note the interest from overseas clubs,” he said.
“I will not confirm any particular name but we have come to know there is quite a few who are still having talks with the scouts from the Cowboys.”
Toko said there are expecting some more scouts from NRL clubs to be in Nausori today.
Over the years NRL scouts have signed students who are now household names in Australia. These are the likes of Sisa Waqa, Marika Koroibete, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adrea
Cocagi, Tui Kamikamica, Mikaele Ravalawa, Viliame Kikau, Semi Valemei and the list goes on.
“There are procedures to be followed but the negotiations are solely between the parents and the scout themselves. The FSSRL choses to leave it to the parents and the scouts involved,” Toko added.
FSSRL also confirmed that the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will be the chief guest at next week’s grandfinal.
The curtain raiser for the finals will be between the South Eastern Zone women’s selection and the Western Women’s selection. The other curtainraiser will be Vanua Levu Secondary School Invitation against a Viti Levu Invitation side.