Former reps remember Dakuitoga, salute for league pioneer
MEMBERS of the Fiji National Rugby League fraternity joined the family members, friends and colleagues of former Fiji Bati, Iliesa Tuiloma Dakuitoga, who was laid to rest in Suva yesterday.
Tuiloma, as he was commonly known, died last Saturday.
Former Fiji Bati, Ratu Orisi Cavuilati, who represented Fiji at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup, spoke highly of Dakuitoga.
“We knew each other way back when we were young kids living in Nausori,” he said.
“We used to follow this sport during our young days. As we grew older, we went our different paths until we met again in 1992 when rugby league was introduced in the country.
“Tui and his younger brother Vula formed the Nadera Panthers Rugby League Club with the late Etuate Waqa. I, along with the others, formed Delta Raiders which is now called Nausori Bulldogs. Tui was a very humble man on and off the field. The Dakuitoga brothers are always competitive on the field and are very well known for their style of play.”
Rt Orisi, who lives in Australia, represented Fiji during the 1995 RLWC.
He was also part of the Fiji Bati side that beat France 20-12 in their first Test match at then National Stadium in Suva in 1994.
He said the Dakuitoga brothers were the backbone of rugby league in Fiji and in Nadera.
“Even after retiring from the sport, they continued to develop players and boosted the club until now.
“He will be sorely missed.” Former Vodafone Fiji Bati prop Ioane Divavesi paid tribute to his late coach, saying Tuiloma had a big impact in his life.
He owed his league achievements to him, spiritually and physically.
“He had faith in me and constantly helping me with my faith.”