FNRL TO SET UP HPU

Tikiko Noke has been named into the Ravoravo Rabbitohs that will play the Tigers on February 29 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Noke played for the Tigers during last year’s domestic season.

The Fiji National Sports Commission gave a grant of $50,000 to the Fiji National Rugby League to help prepare for 2020 Melanesian Cup.

This is part of Government’s bid through the Commission to develop rugby league and sporting organisations as a whole.

FNRL will be hosting the Melanesian Cup 2020- which is a clash between Fiji Vodafone Cup Champions 2019 Ravoravo Rabbitohs and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Digicel Cup Champions 2019 Lae Snax Tigers, which will be played on February 29 at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

This will see the third time around since its inception in 2018 how such tournament is being organised to strengthen ties with PNGRL. Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey said rugby league has been one sport that is moving in to what we see as the future in sports.

It is basically a partnership between government, enterprises and other sporting organisations

“The sports commission is working with Melanesian spearhead groups in

re-establishing sporting activities all our countries,” Mazey said.

“This is also through the Kaiviti Silktails stepping up to play in the international in the NSW’s Ron Masey Cup and through the Melanesian Cup.

“It shows that sports are truly moving in a professional area.”

FNRL acting chief executive officer Don Natabe expressed his appreciation to the Commission for the enormous support shown by Government to the sport of rugby league throughout its 20-year plus history.

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Natabe added this would allow FNRL and PNGRL to share ideas on rugby league strategies technically and to also prompt interest from other Melanesian countries to join in.

“This is to develop and spread the sport of rugby league in the Pacific region. The Melanesian Cup will see the top club champions of both countries Fiji and Papua New Guinea meet for the first time at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

“It highlights the level of engagement that we had between both rugby league organisations in the Asia Pacific space. “The Fijian Government has bought in some more funding for the Melanesian

Cup, which both countries are the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Rugby league, leading with the growth and development in the Southern hemisphere.”

Natabe said the grandstand tickets is $10, embankment $5 and $ 2 for children.

Former Vodafone Fijian Bati and Kaiviti Silktails prop Tikiko Noke is part of the Rabbitohs side for the Melanesian Cup clash.

Noke also played for the PNG side Tigers during their domestic season last year.

The Rabbitohs is captained by Savenaca Saukuru with Sevanaia Galala being the vice-captain.

Ravoravo Rabbitohs squad- Forwards: Tikiko Noke, Waisea Nasekai, Etonia Saukuru, Isei Lewaqai, Timoci Saukuru, Maika Serulevu, Etonia Moitoga, Peniasi Senikarawa, Apisai Nabou, Savenaca Saukuru ©

Backs: Iliesa Salauca, Apimeleki Lutuinamawi, Sevanaia Galala (vc), Timoci Namotukula, Jone Levi, Ilami Susu, Kolinio Radrovi, Tomasi Vunilagi, Joseva Lalawa, Simon Wise, Vilive Nakelaya, Ulaiyasi Radrovi

The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) will soon set-up the Junior Bati Higher Performance Unit programme in the coming months.

FNRL acting chief executive officer Don Natabe said yesterday this was part of their long term plan to help in the selection of the next generation of elite players.

“We are establishing a junior academy programme which will formerly be announced later in the coming months,” Natabe said.

“We are looking at the age group of the under-15, under-17 and under-19. Internationally the game is evolving.”

FNRL will also be re-introducing coaching development programmes to help upskill the local coaches.

“These are people coaching the next generation of Bati players and by providing them with help predominately from Australia where they have the strongest club rugby league competition,” Natabe added.

“Last week we had the Broncos Elite Pathway manager coming over to Fiji to undertake some of this coaching training. We’re looking at some of the coaches in Australia how we’re going to develop and train the next generation of rugby league players.

“In terms of formalising tournaments, it has been conceptualised and we are looking to release it within the next 3-10 years.” >KARALAINI TAVI