Roos team optimistic
DARK horse Coastline Roos rugby league team is upbeat of creating history and being crowned the new premiers of the season after the dust settles on Saturday at Albert Park in Suva.
The Coastline Roos play in the Fiji National Rugby League 2020 grand final against favourites, Police Sharks.
The Laselase, Nadroga-based outfit has become the darling of local rugby league after defying all odds en route to the final showdown.
It was the only team to tame minor premiers and Sabetobased Ravoravo Rabbitohs in its quarter-final match a fortnight ago and repeated the same feat in their preliminary final clash against Ra-based Burenitu Cowboys last week.
Surprisingly, the Roos had finished fourth in the Western State rugby league competition.
Team coach Keni Nadaro said the team was in high spirit and was looking forward to the grand final.
“It means a lot to us to appear in our first ever grand final,” Nadaro said.
“We have a very young squad and most of them are farmers while some are working.
“They have been working hard throughout the year and although we have had our ups and downs, it did not distract the players.
“They have been in camp at Laselase Village since last Sunday and we have raised the standard of preparations compared to the past week.
“We respect our opponents and they are a champion side, but the morale in camp is high and the boys cannot wait to jump on to the field of play.
“The players are prepared mentally, physically and psychologically and are very serious about winning our maiden Vodafone Cup. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday and pray for good weather so that the players are able to display an exciting game of football.”
Meanwhile, the Roos would rely heavily on diminutive and wily dummy-half Nemia Nawave to weave his magic and is arguably the 'X-Factor' of the team.
Other prominent members expected to play key roles include stand-off Lepani Volavola, Pauliasi Kuli, Simione Qiokata and Joshua Camaisala.
Nadaro said the team was injury-free and players were fired-up in anticipation of an explosive and physical battle.
The Coastline Transport-sponsored Roos and Blue Gas-sponsored Police Sharks would clash at 3.30pm.
The winner would receive $10,000 and the Vodafone Cup.
Coastline Roos XIII: 1. Sunia Naruma
2. Josua Waqavesi 3. Anare Waqabalavu 4. Ilai Nareki 5. Josateki Masibalavu
6. Manasa Levatabua 7. Lepani Volavola
8. Ratu Meli Nabura 9. Nemia Nawave
10. Simione Vunibaka 11. Vilimoni Paul
12. Simione Qiokata 13. Josaia Raboiliku.