Former Fiji Bati skipper Petero Civoniceva offered some positive words of encouragement for local rugby league players following the Fiji 9s team’s dismal outing at the 2015 Pacific Games.
The Fijian 9s rugby league team finished fourth after losing to Samoa 12-20 in the semi-finals then missing out on the a bronze medal finish losing to Tonga 14-16.
Speaking to SUNsports, the 39 year-old urged local players to remain positive as a lot of exciting developments lay ahead for Fijian rugby league.
“Obviously, to remain positive. It’s an exciting time for Fiji Rugby League. I know that for myself, now that I’m retired, I’ll be working closely with the Fiji National Rugby League in developing programs around elite programming for our local boys.
“There can be some sort of really positive elite training programs to help them improve not only locally but also internationally. Obviously we have a strong focus of NRL player representing the Fiji Bati.
“I think in partnership with the FNRL and the NRL, we’ll certainly go a long way towards strengthening the capabilities of our local players. We’ve got some amazing local talent. Our local players are wonderful players.
“But, I think what it is, is exciting times for rugby league in Fiji because they’ll become the focus of developmental programs that will see us hopefully getting the opportunity to really showcase our talents across the international stage.”
With 45 caps earned during his run as an Australian Kangaroo and 6 caps as a Fiji Bati, Civoniceva expected an exciting showcase when the Bati would take on Toa Samoa in October for the Four Nations qualifier.
“Hopefully we can continue on the amazing rise of Fiji Rugby League. It will be a great opportunity for our boys to represent Fiji at home and no doubt we’ll put together a very strong team and no doubt we’ll want to go out and do Fiji proud.”
The Fiji Bati will take on Toa Samoa in October at the ANZ Stadium in Suva for s spot in the 2016 Four Nations tournament.
PACNEWS
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