From No.8 to Prop
It was a bitter pill to swallow at first but I’m grateful I listened to the coach three years ago –Jone Koroiduadua
Young Nadroga prop Jone Koroiduadua will join Vern Cotter’s Flying Fijians in France next week. And the Police constable was grateful that he listened to Fijian Under-20 coach Kele Leawere three years ago who told him to switch from No.8 to prop.
The Nalebaleba, Bemana, Navosa native is among the nine local players named in 32-member squad for the Autumn Nations Cup.
“It was during the trials that Leawere told me to switch to prop since I was short and small,” he said.
“It was a bitter pill to swallow. I asked myself who is he (Leawere) to change my position since I’ve been playing No. 8 from the start.
“But sometimes it’s wise to listen to others who know better and I’m grateful and lucky to be one of the props for the Flying Fijians now.
“It will be a tough competition since we will be playing against tier-one nations but if we listen to the coaches and senior players, we can do well.
“I am thankful to Leawere for his insight, Nadroga Rugby Union and the Flying Fijians management for giving me the nod. I hope I can secure a rugby contract overseas so that I could help my family.” Koroiduadua is the eldest of six siblings. He attended Bemana District School, Sigatoka Valley High School where he played both rugby league and union.
He also played for the Bolabola (Bemana) 7s team and the Bemana Waratahs in the Nadroga franchise competition.
“My family supported me throughout and before I would spend $15 three/four days a week to travel to Sigatoka to train and for gym sessions.
“I’m grateful to my family been part of this journey.”
In 2017, he was part of the Fiji Bati team at the Rugby League 9s. The side lost to Australia in the semi-final.
The same year he made it into the Nadroga Under-20, before he made his debut in the Skipper Cup Premiership against Suva in 2018.
He missed the 2019 season since he was recruited by the Fiji Police Force
The 32-member squad will march into camp on October 25 at Limoges (HaureVienne) in preparation for the France test on November 15, Italy on November 21 and Scotland on November 29 at BT Murrayfield. Flying Fijians will play Portugal in warm –up match on November 6. as they have