Watch NRL stars
Rokocoko sided with the Storm for this reason.
“Coach Craig Bellamy came to our club a few weeks ago to see how we train as rugby players so I’m with the Storm.”
His other two sons, however, were with the opposition.
“I cheered for the Knights because Kalyn Ponga is there. I like how he plays, his steps, and his offload game,” Cypress Rokocoko shared with a glimmer in his eyes.
“I randomly chose the Knights,” said his second son Taliga Rokocoko.
For others, this was a chance to observe and learn from the best in the game.
“This is a major learning experience for me just sitting there and watching the game. I got to witness some set-piece plays that we in Fiji don’t normally do. I wore a Storm jersey but my favorite player is Kalyn Ponga of the Knights,” Ravoravo Rabbitohs player and captain Taniela Mali expressed excitingly.
The staff of Kokomo Private Island Resort turned up in matching plain white T-shirts and purple garlands, showing their support for Craig Bellamy’s men.
“The chief executive of the Storm stayed over at Kokomo and they sponsored the staff by giving us 50 tickets. We were so excited to come to watch the Fijian captain Tui Kamikamica,” Kokomo Human Resource representative Josevata Baravi stated.
“This is also a good marketing tool for us in Tourism and Hospitality, we get to market our brand and show that teams local and overseas have our support in developing whatever game they bring to Fiji.”
It was a surreal experience for 22-year-old Saiasi Manukawa who was responsible for looking after the VIP spectators.
“I work for Jack’s Restaurant and this is my first time working at the venue of a major sporting event. This is an experience of a lifetime, even though I’m working, I get to feel the excitement and be in the atmosphere. I’m grateful to have seen Tui Kamikamica play at home because he is doing a tremendous job representing Fiji in the NRL.”