Call ‘The Answer’
Teti Tela responds to the media at the Albert Park pavilion last week.
and I received a call from Simon asking me if I was interested in joining the side.
“I was still injured at that time and in rehab. So pretty much they took a chance on me to come in and play.
“I could not say no. I am proud of representing Fiji and I thank the coaches for the opportunity which I consider a blessing.”
Upon arrival at the initial camp in Lennox Head, Tela said he was amazed with the amount of talent coming through the local competitions in Fiji.
“I am always a big believer in the hard work and rugby talent in Fiji.
“The skills and the talent will always be there obviously being one
of the biggest rugby factories in the world.
“I think something that can be improved is getting used to competitive environments.
“I got my first taste when I was part of the Flying Fijians squad that took on the Barbarians at Twickenham.
“Majority of the boys came from the Drua team, boys who played through local competitions and we beat the Barbarians.
“That was a big one for me.” The Drua had fans on their feet cheering the team on in excitement during last week’s historical match at the ANZ National Stadium.
The Mick Byrne coached-side showed glimpses of how dangerous
Left: Teti Tela with wife Madeline Rose-Tela.
Bottom: Teti Tela with dad Jiofiliti, left, and mum Rosi. they could be and sent a strong message to the rugby world that they would be a force to reckon with in the coming years.
Tela said it all came back to how the boys prepared themselves throughout the week leading up to their games.
“Nothing really changes from a prep point of view.
“The players have been doing their reviews.
“Their commitment off the field and during training, watching and analysing previous games and every other aspect of the sport.
“Playing in Fiji is always a special occasion and it motivates the boys to perform. The players have a fair idea of New Zealand sides, having played the Blues and Highlanders, so there is belief that the team has what it takes to tussle with the sport’s giants.”
His journey in the oval-ball sport started in Levuka playing in the Kaji rugby competitions and he dabbled a bit in rugby league during their stay in New Zealand.
His passion for rugby union was reignited in Australia playing high school 1st XV rugby for Ipswish Grammar.
He plays club rugby for the GPS Rugby club in Brisbane and debuted for the Queensland Country team in the 2017-2018 seasons in the National Rugby Championship.
In 2018, he received a call to join the Queensland Reds team and signed a two-year deal with the Super Rugby side making his debut against the Sunwolves on July 17, 2018.
He was part of the Fijian Latui squad in 2020 and a member of the Flying Fijians team that took on the All Blacks last year.
Although the season was heading towards the end, a place in the finals would be a dream come true and Tela added that there are a certain aspects of his game that he would work on before he donned the Drua jersey on game day.
“A big one would be the talanoa on the field and kicking game.
“For me playing in a Fijian side, it mainly revolves around being able to organise and getting the ball where it needs to go.
“Especially if we are making breaks, we need the ball thrown to our wingers on the edges.
“Obviously, the forwards are an important aspect of our team so it is my job to make sure that they keep working up the middle which they have been doing tremendously throughout the season”.
With the Rugby World Cup looming next year, Tela said he would be grateful and blessed if he was given the opportunity to represent the country again.
“I will always be proud of representing my nation and if I am given the chance, then I would play to the best of my ability.”
Tela and his wife, Madeline are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby daughter in the coming months and he was excited about the new role he was about to play.
“I am very excited to be a dad for the first time. Every time I take the field, I am representing my little family.
“It has been a motivating factor for me this season and I am grateful to my partner for holding the fort while I am away. That is why I have to be an example on and off the field.”
In his parting remarks, Tela advised young ruggers to always keep their head down and to work hard. “I am a big advocate for hard work. The road to success is never easy; you will come across some hardships in life.
“Put your head down and always keep God first in everything you do.
“If you dream to do it, do not let anything hold you back. Work hard and you will surely reap the rewards.”