Scouts on the hunt
MORE Fijian players could feature in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in the near future.
This is after North Queensland Cowboys programs manager Glenn Hall and recruitment manager Dane Campbell were seen at the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League National quarter-finals at Garvey Park and Tavua College grounds on Saturday.
FSSRL executive Lai Corerega said they were surprised to see the two scouts doing rounds at the games.
“It was really pleasing to see the two men watching and noticing some of the players,” said Corerega.
“To see them come and witness the grassroots level of rugby league in the country really speaks volume of the type of players we have in our midst. The two gentlemen flew into the country on Friday and flew back to Australia on Sunday and we are hoping to see scouts from other NRL clubs in the next two weeks as we head into the national semi-finals and final a week later.”
Corerega said the scouts had seen some potential players and would return on to check on their progress.
“As of Saturday, they had their eyes on a few players. Queen Victoria School under-15 player Sailosi Taka was a standout for his school as he managed to impress Campbell and Hall with his defensive skills and evasiveness. The two gentlemen were really astounded with the amount of talent on display at the ground and said they would return in August to check on him again.
“Another player that rose to the occasion is Ra High Roosters under-17 player Jona Bogiono. He bamboosled his opponents with his footwork and off-loading skills and ball carry, reminding them of a young Viliame Kikau.”
He also took the opportunity to thank major sponsors Vodafone for providing a platform for these youngsters to showcase their talents and get recognised.
“This is grassroots development at its very best and we are happy that through our efforts and the sponsorship of Vodafone Fiji, these players have the means to support themselves and their families in life. It is something we take pride in and I know the NRL will have an abundant number of Fijians in the future.”
2021 NRL Grand Final winner and Penrith Panthers blockbusting forward Viliame Kikau was also scouted to the North Queensland Cowboys through the FSSRL competition in 2013 where he featured for the Marist Storms.
Meanwhile, the national semifinals will be played at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori this Saturday with Marist Storms taking on the QVS Knights in the first semifinal of the under-15 grade with Nasinu Panthers going up against Ra High Roosters in the second.
In the under-17 grade, QVS Knights will take on RKS Eels in the first semi-final while Marist Storms will battle Ba Pro Dragons for a place in the final.
In the under-19 grade, Naitasiri Warriors will face off against QVS Knights in the first semi while RKS Eels go head-to-head with Ba Pro Dragons in the second match.