Naureure’s journey
IF things go well for Vereniki Naureure, it will likely to be Fiji’s loss and Australia’s gain.
Born and bred at Navatuki, Soloira, Naitasiri, Naureure said growing up in the village could be challenging but fun.
“I just only spent four days at Naluwai Secondary School before I got a call from Australia to move in.
“My teacher was Taito Laladavui and he was also my coach with my principal Alipate Rokobiau.”
At a very young age the Naitasiri player is following the footsteps of one of Fiji’s great and also from the same province Levani Botia, who plays flanker and outside back.
At the moment Naureure is not sure of his position because his coach will slot him in the wing, No. 8, flanker and inside or outside centre.
His dad Orisi Duarara and mum Miliana both live in the village.
“Yeah I would say sometime living in the village can be tough, I struggle sometimes, especially dad because he’s the one who is looking after everything and he is a farmer,” he said.
His parents words and a deep appreciation of their struggle back in the village drives Vereniki to follow his dreams and said he was blessed with a family that teaches him the iTaukei value of life.
He said his dream to achieve rugby stardom will be fulfilled with God’s guidance and thanks his parents for giving him a chance to travel overseas.
He said he always helped his mum and dad go farming, collecting ota for food or kai.
“Sometimes I go to the farm and help dad, and also sometimes he has to help mum to sell her purini and cakes around the village because mum is running a small microbusiness at home.
His elder brother Samuela Nadiri just finished school last year and he’s going to university this year while his younger brother Jerry who is eight, stays with his parents in the village. Naureure said his fouryear
Picture SUPPLIED stay in Australia set him a dream in five years time he hopefully would become a professional rugby player. He recalls some of his best memories while in the village such as hanging out with his friends and family members. He attended Soloira District School from Year 1 to 8.
The Roses — Angus and Sarah who were keen to watch local players playing rugby and ended up at Soloira District School.
The school’s U14 were to play an U13 selection .
On this particular day, the young Naureure, 14, was asked by his coach to play fly half for Soloira District
A display by him left an impression on this Australian couple and what happened next saw him move to cross over to Australia.
Just like any other player who had gone before him he was spotted by a tourist couple while holidaying in Fiji.
Maika Sivo, Eto Nabuli followed the same fate when visitors from Australia interested in how Fijian players perform on the rugby field.
He thanked the Rose family who have three kids — Jack the eldest, Zanna, and Heidi for their kind hospitality.
“They treated me like one of their own kids and that is why it was hard to feel homesick,” he said.
Being a total stranger to his new home he said he was humbled and even though not matured enough to realise what was at hand when an opportunity like this comes knocking, he took it with both hands.
A farmer’s son in Naitasiri, Naureure realised this was the door that will give him the opportunity to use his God-given talent to make a name for himself and make his parents proud.
He said his father’s word of advice and blessing at the age of 14 before he flew to Sydney and then up to Perth to join his new family remain with him until today.
“Not knowing what was in store for me, with limited knowledge of the English language and to a totally new family, rugby was the universal language, because of my and the Rose’s love for the game that created no boundaries,” he said.
“So be proud of how far I have come,”
The former Soloira District School student wants to relay to students who are after their big dreams.
“I am thankful to my parents for giving me this opportunity to follow my dreams.”