Ratu Meli to face Nalaga in title defence

IT will be a battle between siblings as Nadroga wing Napolioni Nalaga defends the Farebrother Sullivan trophy from his younger brother and Suva fly half Ratu Meli Kurisaru at Lawaqa Park today.

The two brothers have never played against each other in any club or provincial level and this will be their first battle as brothers in the rugby field on home ground.

Kurisaru a renowned name in the local rugby arena, has always been an X-factor for the Capital City side in provincial rugby competitions and his accuracy in goal kicking and leading the Suva backline has always created headache for the Nadroga fans.

The Nasama lad from Nadroga will be an impact player for Suva today hoping to get the same result he achieved two years ago in Sigatoka.

However it will be a different story when his older brother and former France based, Clermont Club winger Nalaga, will be on the opposite side to defend his province and stop Ratu Meli from taking the holy grail of Fiji rugby back to the city.

Their father and former Nadroga and Fiji rep Kavekini Nalaga said his love for his sons was the same and he wished good luck to both of them.

“Tomorrow’s game (today) will be different from all games because it’s the first round and a double header.

“Kurisaru will play for Suva because he works in Suva and Nalaga will represent Nadroga because he’s from Nadroga, but there’s that inner strength that builds momentum during the game.

“That is your love for your team and the vanua you representing and that will make the difference in the game.”

Nalaga last featured for Nadroga in 2006 when Kurisaru was still representing Lelean Memorial School in the Deans competition but now they’re both part of the Fiji Police Force.

The U19 match will kick off at 11am, followed by the women’s at 1pm and the men’s double header will start at 3.30pm.