Fiji preparations for Orara

[Big Bunny]

Selectors look for fitness, maturity
(Friday, December 16, 2005)
FITNESS and the ability to read the game will be two key aspects in a player, the Fiji National Rugby League selectors will be look for in trials at the Fiji College of Advance Education grounds today.

Fiji Bati manager Peni Musunamasi said they plan to select a 10-member Fiji residents squad to play in the Orara Valley 7s in Australia.

Players have been divided into teams and would be moved around so that selectors could come up with the right combination.

He said Joe Dakuvula would coach the final 10-man team while Shane Morris would coach the Bati squad that would take on the New Zealand Maori in a one-off test match.

"We will have to pick up on our fitness and defence and the ability to read the game. These were the areas that had let us down in last year's competition," he said.

"Last year the team we took I could say was the fittest side we had at that time but we did not have the services of some of our best local players because they did not perform well at the trials. This sevens competition is a big one because there are teams from all over the world like Malta, Japan and Samoa.

"Last year was the first time for us to compete at the games and it was an eye opener in terms of our players being able to read the game and have their fitness level in tune."

Musunamasi said prior to playing at the sevens competition at Coffs Harbour the two Fiji sides-the Fiji A and Fiji residents would make up the Fiji Bati squad to play the Maori.

The games would take place on January 26 before the Fiji teams split up to participate in their individual teams at the sevens.

 

[carlnz]

Great news for the Fiji vs Maori Match, good to see the Maoris getting out their playing other nations

 

[roopy]

I watched Fiji at last year's tournament, and it was obvious that they had played a lot of 7s - probably Union sevens.
They showed a lot of other sides the way to keep the ball alive and work for a gap in the defence - no matter where on the field they were.
They couldn't match the class of Lebanon in the end, but they had a lot of little tricks that other could learn from years of watching and playing 7s in Fiji.

 

[brendothejet]

Two of my mates from Newtown played for Fiji A last year. They won the Valley 8's with 7 players.

They are freaks of football and are certainly a team to watch. They are fast, fit and have astonishing footwork and ball skills.
Could easily go all the way.

 

[MRLA]

They couldn't match the class of Lebanon in the end, but they had a lot of little tricks that other could learn from years of watching and playing 7s in Fiji.

The MALTA Knights knocked Fiji out of the 2005 Orara Valley Sevens, 24-8.

 

[Utey]

And what a win that was. I wish I could have seen that.

 

[Mr_Ugly]

Nothing too exciting amongst this lot, but decided to post it anyway.



Cadrakilagi to lead Bati
(Wednesday, January 18, 2006)
http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=35518#



SARU Dragons skipper Semesa Cadrakilagi will captain the Fiji Bati in a Test match against the New Zealand Maori at Coffs Harbour on January 25 and the Orara Valley 7s next week.

The Lautoka-based five eighth skippered the side to the same sevens tournament last year.

"He comes to us with so much responsibilities, a matured player that has assisted us a lot in training," Bati mentor Jo Rabele said.

Rabele said Cadrakilagi was a promising rep that commanded discipline from his players.

"We're confident he'll do a good job leading the players out," Rabele said.

Nadera Panthers captain Iowane Divavesi will assist Cadrakilagi.

The side continued on its defence work this week with assistance from national athlete Waisea Finau who took the boys on a speed endurance workout at the Post Fiji Stadium yesterday. Three overseas players, that are yet to be named, will join the 13-member squad in Brisbane for the Orara Valley Sevens.

Fitness level has stepped up and the side has targeted a win, which they would dedicate to the family of the late Fiji National Rugby League chairman Iliesa Tagitupou. The team departs on January 23.





Fiji Bati manager Rusi Ratakele, is pictured with Frisco Hire managing director Abhimanyu Krishna and the Bati after receiving a donation of training vests in Suva yesterday

Rama






Sprinter trains Bati reps
(Tuesday, January 17, 2006)

http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=35442



National athletics rep Waisea Finau is helping train the Bati rugby league sevens team with sprint work.

Finau, a 400-metre sprinter, was shocked to see Apisai Masikerei and other players running 13 seconds in the 100 metres sprint sessions.

Coach Jo Rabele said Finau had stepped in to help train the players for the Orara Valley Sevens in Australia next week.

Finau also gave them sprint sessions over 60 and 80 metres at the Post Fiji Stadium tracks.

"The players speed has improved after Finau came in to help," Rabele said.

"It should augur well for the team at Coffs Harbour next week," he said.

Bati coach Shane Morris is arranging for the local payers to team up with the Australian-based players.

The Bati will play a match against New Zealand Maori in Australia before the sevens tournament in Coffs Harbour.

Rabele and Bati manager Rusi Ratakele decided not to shift their training camp to Nadi this week.

The officials decided to stay at their Nadera camp because of access to training facilities at the Sports City.

Rabele said they had been training at the Hyundai Fitness Centre for gym work, the Aquatic Centre for pool sessions and the stadium tracks for sprint training.

The reps did endurance training at the Fiji School of Advanced Education ground at Nasinu yesterday. They continued with defence drills and team training in the afternoon.

Rabele is pleased with the players' discipline.

This has been introduced by their manager Ratakele's initiative to include a spiritual program based on family values.






THE Fiji Bati side is hopeful that the Sports Ministry will grant its request for extra funding as it prepares for the Orara Valley sevens in Coffs Harbour, Australia.
(Saturday, January 14, 2006)

http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=35303



Fiji Bati manager Rusiate Ratakele said last week Fiji Bati officials met with the Sports Minister Isireli Leweniqila regarding financial assistance for the team.

At the moment the national side was being supported by a couple of businesses and the families of the players.

Ratakele said the Bati side had requested $12,000 to help see the side through to the one off test match against the New Zealand Maori on January 26 and then the sevens competition.

"We want to get these things in order before we fly out on January 23 ahead of the competition on January 28-29," he said.

"We are grateful to the financial assistance given by some business houses like Combat which had provided travelling bags and jerseys. There are other businesses like Zooloo and FRINCOS Fiji Hire limited who have all pitched in by providing our gears.

"The players have had to pitch in with the finances by giving $200 towards their airfares and also the families of the players, Nadera Catholic parish and the Panthers club."

Ratakele said the players have been concentrating on perfecting their set pieces and fitness level.

He said the side was confident of achieving its goals and that team spirit was high in the camp.

It is understood last year's winner from the sevens tournament, the Lebanese Cedars have confirmed its participation again this year.

Lebanon thrashed Sydney Metro Aboriginal All-stars 44-16 in a one sided final last year.








Boost for Bati sevens
(Tuesday, January 10, 2006)

http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=35083

Aminiasi Marau was back training with the Bati sevens side yesterday. ​

Rama





THREE overseas-based rugby league players are expected to strengthen the Fiji Bati sevens team to the Orara Valley 7s at Coffs Harbour later this month.

Fiji National Rugby League vice chairman Peni Musunamasi said they had yet to confirm the names but that was being arranged by Sydney-based Keni Koroibulileka.

Musunamasi said he (Koroibulileka) was still finalising the names and would confirm them next week.

Cronulla Sharks back rower Taraiasi Puna was one of the Australian-based reps that teamed up with the Bati at last year's tournament. The 18-year-old Naitasiri rugger, who is in the Fiji boxing team preparing for the Commonwealth Games, was vice captain to Semesa Cadrakilagi.



Meanwhile, Nadi Eels skipper Aminiasi Marau joined camp on Sunday night after being stranded in Vanuabalavu for over two weeks.

Marau proved his worth as he underwent a fitness test under the watchful eyes of coach Jo Rabele at the Valelevu grounds yesterday.

"He was outstanding and considering the fact that he was stranded on the island, his fitness level has improved since I saw him at the first trial," Rabele said.

Rabele said there had been an overall improvement with speed in the team.

"I'm confident we'll be a stronger team this year," he said.








Alcohol ban on Bati reps
(Sunday, January 08, 2006)

http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=34941



AN alcohol ban has been imposed on Fiji Bati players preparing for the Coff Harbour 7s at the end of the month in Australia.

Demanding nothing but the utmost discipline, Bati coach Jo Rabele has cautioned the 12-member squad that took the weekend off from camp on Friday.

"We've told players that anyone known or returns into camp smelling of liquor will be severely dealt with," he said.

The former Bati told players it was in their best interest to refrain from drinking and called for commitment as the tournament in Sydney was around the corner.

"We don't have much time left and will not entertain any drinking spree as they've been given time to go home for rest," said Rabele.

However, the Rabele is impressed with the level of fitness in the side and said the best 10 players will be selected for the tournament.

"Fitness is very impressive and I can see that players had been following their training programs given to them after the Pacific Cup trials," he said.

The side underwent a weight session at the Charman's All Races Club on Friday morning after being in camp for a week at the Nadera Parish.

"The weight session concentrated on the upper body strength where we had outstanding results and that's a positive sign," said Rabele.

"We'll be reviewing players' fitness once we kick-off again next week and mostly it'll focus on individual fitness," he added.

The team marches into camp at Nadera this evening and will kick-off another session at the Valelevu ground tomorrow.

Nadi Eels captain Aminiasi Marau is yet to join the team camp after being stranded in Vanuabalavu after Christmas.

Rabele said Marau's reasoning seemed genuine and thus he would undergo a fitness test upon his arrival into the team camp. The 10-member team will depart for Orara Valley 7s in Sydney on January 23.



[EDIT: Why the hell can I only cut and past images into these things sometimes, and other times they just won't paste? Am I missing something obvious?]

 

[Mr_Ugly]

Puna heads for a double
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=35670
(Saturday, January 21, 2006)


Australia-based Puna Rasaubale could soon become a Fijian double international despite spending almost his entire childhood in Sydney.

Fiji Bati manager Rusi Ratakele yesterday confirmed that Rasaubale, who plays in the reserves grade for St George Illawarra in the National Rugby League competition in Australia, is one of three overseas-based players to be drafted into the side.

Rasaubale visited Suva late last year to be part of Boxing Fiji trials.

He showed his class and is now part of the national amateur boxing team preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"He's an exceptional talent," Ratakele said.

Two more players, whose identity is unknown at this stage, will join the Bati for the Test against the New Zealand Maori next Thursday at Coffs Harbour.

Two days later the Bati will feature at the Orara Valley Sevens and the side is out to improve on its quarter-final exit against Malta last year.

"We went through a DVD clip of the tournament last night (Thursday)," Ratakele said.

"It gave us a fair idea of what went wrong especially on the defensive side of things."

Captain Semesa Cadrakilagi, Aminiasi Marau and Iowane Divavesi are some of the senior players in the side. The Bati is pooled with Hoey Moey, Sydney Renown United and Sawtell Panthers for the sevens tourney, which has a winning prize of $A15,000 ($F19.356).

Ratakele said the $12,000 financial support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports should come through early next week to help cover the team's trip.

The side sacrificed the festive season to camp and train in Nadera.

The Fiji Bati rugby league side on Thursday night reviewed a DVD clip of the team's performance at Coffs Harbour last year. This is to help the Cadrakilagi skippered 12-member team in the lead-up to the team's trip to Australia next Monday.

 

[carlnz]

Wow it looks like Fiji is getting serious about rugby league, i guess if they could get a few more professional players and more test matches they could well be a competitve nation.

Great news about the Ministry of Youth and Sport helping fund the Trip.

 

[Mr_Ugly]

I suppose there's no real surprises there:

Fiji Bati Departs Nadi for League Sevens
23 Jan 2006 18:12:19

http://www.fijitv.com.fj/index.cfm?go=tv.resources&cmd=forumview&uid=fijionesports&cid=4661

The Fiji Bati rugby league sevens side also left Nadi this morning.

They play a test in Sydney against the New Zealand Maori, and will also take part in the Orara Valley league Sevens.

The tour plans have been as shaky as the League body's financial position recently, but 12 players this morning breathing a sigh of relief, after checking in at the nadi Airport.

The Fiji Bati have been hampered by lack of finaces, resources and even players, but grit and determnation has seen them secure enough funding for the trip.

Three Australian based players, Peceli Suasua, Max Bainivalu, and Frank Waqa will join the team on arrival in Sydney.

 

[Mr_Ugly]

It's only Coffs Harbour, but it's a start:


Scouts plan to sign on quartet
Saturday, February 04, 2006

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=36576




FOUR members from the Fiji Bati side that played in the Orara Valley sevens in Coffs Harbour are on the list to sign contracts with an Australian club.

Despite going down in the 7s final to a classier team like Lebanon the Bati reps played their hearts out.

Team manager Rusiate Ratakele said the Northern Coffs Harbour Club scouts were interested in securing at least four players.

He said the four were Apisai Masikerei, Semisi Tora, Neori Kurimaliwai and Asaeli Saravaki.

The subject of clubs that have expressed interest in recruiting members of the Fiji Bati side would be brought up at the Fiji National Rugby League annual general meeting next week.

"At the moment the players have been given a break but have been told to continue with their individual training programs," Ratakele said.

"This is something we have to be proud of because out of the 36 teams that participated at the competition we were probably the only side that did not have players who featured in the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

"The last time we reached the finals in any international competition was back in 1995 when we had the likes of Noa Nadruku, Niko Baleiverata playing against the Manly Seaeagles side.

"We have broken that jinx. I take my hat off to my boys because prior to this match our boys went faced hardships in terms of training and camping plus privleges most team have.

"We practically had nothing but we continued to push on. The boys went out there and played their hearts out for their country."

Ratakele said when the scouts approached him from the New South Wales club, he had advised them that the paper work should be carried out in Fiji.

He said the club had requested that the four players stay behind when the team left for Fiji.

Meanwhile, two other NSW clubs had expressed interest in touring Fiji later in the year.

"The clubs are Newtown Jet that is the feeder club to the Sydney Roosters and Wise Kativerata's school boys side," he said.