Vunivalu shines for the Storm against the Rabbitohs

By Navitalai Naivalurua Saturday 06/06/2020 Fiji Bati star Suliasi Vunivalu scored a try for Melbourne Storm as they outclassed the Rabbitohs 22-8 in the NRL last night. Vunivalu's try came after a cross-kick by Jerome Hughes in the 34th minute of the first half. The Storm led the Rabbitohs 8-6 at half time. Other tries for the Storm came from Ryan Pepenhuyzen, Josh Addo-Carr and Justin Olam. The Rabbitohs points came from a try by Alex Johnston and a penalty from Adam Reynolds. In another match last night, the Panthers walloped the Warriors 26-0. Today, the Eels will take on the Sea Eagles at 7.30pm and the Cowboys will face the Sharks at 9.35pm. The Raiders will play the Knights at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Titans will face the Wests Tigers at 8.30pm tomorrow while the Bulldogs will take on the Dragons at 6.05pm Monday.

Fijian players expected to light up the NRL once again

By Navitalai Naivalurua

Wednesday 03 June 2020

Maika Sivo, Kane Evans and Viliame Kikau. [image: NRL]

After an impressive performance for their clubs in Round 3 of the NRL, Fijian players are expected to once again spark up the competition this week.

Waqa Blake and Maika Sivo who scored tries for the Parramatta Eels last weekend will once again start as they face the Manly Sea Eagles at 7.30pm Saturday.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Kane Evans have also been named in the Eels squad.

Viliame Kikau who also scored a try last weekend will start alongside Apisai Koroisau for the Penrith Panthers as they take on fellow Fijian, King Vuniyayawa and the Warriors at 8pm Friday.

Suliasi Vunivalu is again named in the starting line-up for the Melbourne Storm against the Rabbitohs at 9.55pm Friday. David and Jacob Saifiti will line-up for the Knights as they take on the Canberra Raiders at 6.05pm Sunday.

Tariq Sims will start for the Dragons as they take on the Bulldogs at 6.05pm Monday.

[Source: Fiji Village]

Oceania Cup Update

Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) continues to explore fixture options for the 2020 Oceania Cup despite ongoing uncertainty about COVID-19-related restrictions on travel, mass gatherings and the staging of events. The tournament was originally scheduled to consist of two rounds of fixtures in June and October/November involving Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.

Following an APRLC announcement in March that June fixtures would be postponed due to COVID-19, APRLC has continued to work with member nations and key stakeholders to plan for revised fixtures in November. The recent confirmation of the NRL’s 2020 calendar has allowed APRLC to scope a new schedule of Oceania Cup fixtures for November that could run concurrently with the State of Origin series.

International Rugby League (IRL) was represented on the NRL’s season resumption committee, Project Apollo, by chairman Wayne Pearce, a director of IRL, and Troy Grant, who is vice chair of IRL, ensuring the importance of Oceania Cup to APRLC member nations and their players was factored into Project Apollo planning. “Both the NRL, including ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, and the Rugby League Players Association have been very supportive of the needs of APRLC as hosts of the Oceania Cup, and the importance of international football to the playing group,” Grant said. “The progress made by the NRL in terms of developing biosecurity protocols for matches, and facilitating training and travel arrangements for clubs, provide a valuable blueprint for Oceania Cup planning.”

APRLC chair Sandis Tsaka added: “While we were very encouraged by the resumption of the NRL on 28 May, there is still much uncertainty about international travel, mass gatherings and the ability to stage sporting events with crowds, and these factors will influence options for Oceania Cup matches in 2020.
“At this stage we are monitoring government announcements and working on scoping Oceania Cup 2020 accordingly.”

APRLC continues to monitor fast-changing restrictions and consult with key stakeholders and member nations. At this stage, APRLC remains optimistic about staging Oceania Cup 2020 fixtures in some form.

Kaiviti Silktails pulls out of Ron Massey Cup

The Kaiviti Silktails will not feature in the rest of the Ron Massey Cup competition this season.

This means the Silktails debut win against the Wolves in Lautoka in March was their first and last game of the season.

New Silktails Head Coach Wes Naiqama confirms financial challenges denied them the chance to complete the season considering the COVID-19 crisis.

Speaking to FBC News on Monday, Naiqama said,“In regards to New South Wales Cup over there which is their reserve grade and all their junior football that’s all been cancelled for the year so we heard nothing in regards to that but even if that does go forward we won’t take part in the Ron Massey Cup again this year just for that reason funds and money was lost during this period so our focus now is the pathways program”.

Naiqama adds their focus now is building the game and building the pathways program before they have the trials for next year.

Meanwhile, in round four of NRL this week, the Roosters play the Broncos tomorrow and there will be two games on Friday with the Panthers hosting the Warriors and the Storm meet the Rabbitohs.

On Saturday, the Eels meet the Sea Eagles and Cowboys face the Sharks while on Sunday the Raiders take on the Knights and Titans host West Tigers.

You can watch the LIVE coverage of the Eels and Sea Eagles game on Saturday and the Raiders versus Knights match on Sunday on FBC Sports channel on the Walesi platform.

The delayed coverage of the Broncos and Roosters game on Thursday will be aired at 9pm on Friday.

[News Source: FBC News /Akuila Cama]

BATI VETERAN UATE RELEASED FROM SUPER LEAGUE

By ERONI TUINUKU | Fiji Times 5 June, 2020, 7:20 pm Fiji Bati veteran Akuila Uate will return to Australia this week after he was released from his contract with the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League because of the impact of coronavirus. The Votua, Nadroga man has one year to complete his contract. Uate, who was a National Rugby League star for the Manly Sea-Eagles and Newcastle Knights, signed a three-year contract with the English club last year, but unforeseen circumstances such as the Covid-19 affected the try scoring machine’s future in the game of rugby league. “I believe it’s a tough decision but has to be made because we never know what the future holds for us international players. “But I had to make a call because I have a family that I need to look after and I still have one year of my contract left but at the same time, I can focus on my training and my family,” said Uate. [Source: Fiji Times]

RLWC2021 NEWS | KUEHNE+NAGEL TO DELIVER RLWC2021 AS OFFICIAL PARTNER

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced that Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, has become the Official Logistics Partner of the tournament.

As part of the partnership, Kuehne+Nagel will provide logistics services for what will be the biggest Rugby League World Cup ever, including requirements for all of the 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all 32 participating teams, and the fulfilment of warehousing and storage needs.

Founded in Bremen, Germany in 1890 and its headquarters now based in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is the number one global Sea Logistics provider, and the number two global Air Logistics provider. With over 83,000 logistics and supply chain professionals, including 13,000 in the UK, Kuehne + Nagel has evolved from a traditional shipping company to a global logistics partner with an outstanding reputation for technology and customer service.

Driven by an ethos to support good causes, Kuehne+Nagel has excellent sustainability credentials and rank amongst the 25 most sustainable companies according to the SXI Switzerland Sustainability Index, with the company having a dedicated ambition to make all shipments carbon neutral by 2030. In 2018, RLWC2021 pledged its support to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, created to drive emission reductions of sports operations and tap the popularity and passion of sport to engage millions of fans in the effort.

Kuehne+Nagel join Eversheds Sutherland, Deloitte, Manchester Metropolitan University and Kappa as Official Partners of Rugby League World Cup 2021.

Jonathan Neill, Commercial Director at RLWC2021, said: “Our approach to partnerships starts with wanting to work with organisations that align with our values, and share elements of our vision - such as connecting people and bringing communities together – so we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership. Kuehne+Nagel firmly believes in delivering progress to society and we will both work together to continue to have a positive impact on the world around us.

“By having truly world class partners like Kuehne+Nagel and their market leading capabilities and insight, along with positive engagement to thousands of customers and colleagues, we will be able to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.”

Brian Cox, National Manager, Kuehne+Nagel UK, added: “We are delighted to be the Official Logistics Partner for RLWC2021 and hugely excited to be part of this tournament.

“We are really looking forward to working with RLWC2021 and utilising our global transport and logistics network and expertise, to support the success of this event.”

Please visit www.RLWC2021.com for more information on the tournament.

-ENDS-

Fiji Bati | Why Bati Prefers Hymn To War Cry

By Simione Haravanua | Fiji Sun

07 Jun 2020 14:55

Their voices thundered at the Wollongong Stadium in Sydney, Australia, as the Vodafone Fijian Bati sang a hymn before their opening clash against France at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The Vodafone Fijian Bati team singing “ This is my prayer” before a test match. Photo: RWLC

Their voices thundered at the Wollongong Stadium in Sydney, Australia, as the Vodafone Fijian Bati sang a hymn before their opening clash against France at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. For the first time, the Bati had done away with their traditional war cry of ‘Quruquru Vatu’, which is usually performed before the start of a Test match. Instead, they opted to sing the hymn ‘Oqo Na Noqu Masu’ (This Is My Prayer) which reflected on the team’s love for God and country.

For the first time captain Wes Naiqama broke his silence on the issue. As captain for the 2008 side, Naiqama endorsed the singing of the hymn after then board chairman the late Peni Musunamasi, had raised the issue with him. “We were a playing group then and obviously we had a travelling pastor who is still with us now,” Naiqama recalled. “We were still learning so we talked about culture and what we wanted to be known for. “We sat down and they explained to us what the traditional war cry meant.” At the time, Naiqama says, the team pastor (Ilaitia Tagituimua) was holding a series of Bible study lessons with the team. It was based on David’s strategy to overcome Goliath.

“The pastor challenged us to go this way because faith plays a big part in our Fijian culture and it’s rich within our families. “So as a playing group we sat down and thought it was an amazing idea of putting God in the forefront of our camp.” Naiqama said this has been the highlight of every Bati campaign either at the World Cups or during the mid-year Test matches. “We are using our platform to proclaim our faith in the Lord and it has captured the public but moreover it has impacted people’s lives as well. “It feels so good when looking at social media, people from all different countries, from all different works of life are getting to know the hymn. It has been amazing.”

IMPACT

Naiqama said when they adopted the change in 2008 it had a big impact on some of the young players. “One of them was Jarryd Hayne who later became a superstar of the game. “What made it easy was that most of the squad members were local based-players. There were only five of us from Australia. “Hayne did not know much about faith or Jesus until he joined camp. “He even said it publically after the World Cup campaign that what he encountered in Fiji changed his life forever,” he said. “That’s the thing we took on pretty easily and every day it came with the acceptance that you can just force people to sing the hymn. “This is because you’re in the team and as part of the culture you are to live it every day. “Also, you’ve to maintain that standard and it’s not hard to sort of adjust to it. If you are from a Christian background, it’s not so hard to buy into it.”

CHANGES

Once the hymn culture settled in, Naiqama says the coaching staff realised the bond among the players grew stronger. “Our daily devotion was the most powerful thing. Once you start to breakdown those barriers especially on those who do not know about God. “One player Eloni Vunakece, didn’t have any sort of belief but he came out a changed man. So it sort of brings the boys together and it was the highlight of my time in camp,” he said.

Wes Naiqama. [PC: Simione Haravanua]

Naiqama said the evening devotions centred on players giving their testimonies and it made them much stronger.

EXPERIENCE

Naiqama said the experience of singing the hymn for the first time is always vivid in his mind. “We had our first game in Wollongong against France and we were standing in a circle with the microphone in there. “The silence was an amazing feeling and I’ve never experienced something like that ever before. “So it just happens and this replicates every time we get into that group. You just feel the bond with the boys being pumped up. “One minute they are singing the hymn so beautifully and next minute they are running into a wall of 12 people and its pretty fun.” Naiqama said some NRL players couldn’t believe how good the players’ voices were. “They sing so well but they are all big fans of it so they ask the translation, what it means and how it felt.

“It always received massive support and it’s growing even more and more. “When we were in New Zealand last year we could see Kiwis in the crowd sing along with the words so it’s pretty cool and I’m honoured. “As a Christian I have a sense of satisfaction to see that people from all walks of life singing the hymn. “That means so much to us so it’s pretty col and awesome they just love it. “I think I the Crusaders once sung the song when they won the Super Rugby final.”

HYMN LEADER

Naiqama said fellow Bati teammate Jone Wesele was the man who led them during their hymn practice.

“Jone goes above and beyond his role because he is such a good team person.”

-ends-

Blake escapes suspension following High tackle

By Shanil Singh | Fiji Village.Com

Monday 08/06/2020

Fiji Bati and Parramatta Eels centre Waqa Blake [Photo: NRL]

Fiji Bati and Parramatta Eels centre Waqa Blake has escaped suspension despite being charged for a high tackle in their dramatic win over Manly.

Blake has been charged with a grade-one careless high tackle in Parramatta's 19-16 win at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night.

However, because of the low grading and his good record he will cop a $AUD550 fine if he enters an early guilty plea or $AUD750 if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary.

The Eels lead the NRL Standings after claiming four wins in their opening four matches.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will face the Dragons at 6.05 tonight in the final match of Round 4.

[Source: NRL.COM]

NRL Round 4

Date	Time	Team		Team
Thur 04 Jun	9:50PM	Broncos	0 - 59	Roosters
Fri 05 Jun	8:00PM	Panthers	26 - 0	Warriors
Fri 05 Jun	9:55PM	Storm	22 - 8	Rabbitohs
Sat 06 Jun	7:30PM	Eels	19 - 16	Sea Eagles
Sat 06 Jun	9:35PM	Cowboys	16 - 26	Sharks
Sun 07 Jun	6:05PM	Raiders	18 - 34	Knights
Sun 07 Jun	8:30PM	Titans	28 - 23	Wests Tigers

Pasifika 16-year-old Suaalii is set to sign a AUS$2 million contract with the Rabbitohs

By Navitalai Naivalurua

Monday 08/06/20201

Teenage cross-code sensation Joseph Sua-alii is set to become the youngest millionaire in rugby league history.

The Daily Telegraph reported Suaalii will sign a four-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs worth $2 million.

The 16-year-old will, therefore, earn $500,000 a season and has been tipped to eventually replace Latrell Mitchell at fullback for the Rabbitohs.

Sua-alii has already represented New South Wales in rugby league, rugby union, AFL and basketball.

Suaalii is set to sign a AUS$2 million contract with the Rabbitohs [Photo: getty Image]

Suaalii was playing for the Kings School's first XV side at the age of 14. He has also represented the New South Wales Schoolboys Sevens and Australian under 18s Sevens teams before his 16th birthday.

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly is not allowed to sign Suaalii until August but is eager for the opportunity to lock him in.

Solly says he is not just a very good player but a player you want in your club.
[Source: NZ Herald]

Civoniceva’s words inspired Ashton Sims at 2008 RLWC

Ratu Akuila Cama

Senior Multimedia Sports Journalist | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | @AkuilaFBCNews

JUNE 8, 2020 4:10 PM

FORMER FIJI BATI CAPTAIN ASHTON SIMS

Former Fiji Bati captain Ashton Sims recalls the first time he met his Fijian family in Ba.

While speaking to NRL.com, Sims who has maternal links to Ba says he didn’t realize that his family is a level of Fijian royalty and it was very emotional and stirring when he finally met them.

Sims says representing the Bati it was one of the proudest moments of his career and he’s passionate about representing his Fijian heritage.

The 35 -year -old who is the elder brother of Dragons players Tariq and Korbin and women’s league pioneer Ruan says he has never forgotten the words of Petero Civoniceva after Fiji was thrashed 52-0 by Australia in the semifinal.

Sims says Civoniceva reminded them that they were doing a great thing for Fijian rugby league, not just rugby league in general, for the kids in Fiji to look up and aspire to a rugby league team that is representing their nation very proudly.

He adds those words by Civoniceva really resonated with him and that’s why he always put his hands up for Fijian duties.

Sims says he was lucky enough to play in three World Cups and captained Fiji on one occasion.

He says those times pulling on the Fiji Bati jersey, he look very fondly on them and cherish them very close to his heart.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will host the Sharks at 6:05pm today in the last NRL round five match.

2021 trials for Silktails in four months

2021 trials for Silktails in four months

Ratu Akuila CamaSenior Multimedia Sports Journalist | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | @AkuilaFBCNews

JUNE 8, 2020 1:19 PM

THE KAIVITI SILKTAILS WILL UNDERGO ANOTHER TRIALS IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER. [PHOTO: FIJI TIMES]

The Kaiviti Silktails will undergo another trials in October or November.

This has been confirmed by Silktails Chair and Ambassador Petero Civoniceva who says main purpose of the trials is to select an extended squad for next season’s Ron Massey Cup.

After pulling out of this year’s competition due to financial constraints and COVID-19, Civoniceva says the Vodafone Cup is another competition players can still strut their stuff.

The former Bati skipper adds not taking part in this year’s RMC is not the end of the road as the future looks bright for our local players.

‘There’s a real there for our local players to know that there’s still obviously that opportunity and chance to represent the Silktails in next year’s 2021 Ron Massy Cup season in the New South Wales Rugby League” - Petero Civoniceva.

The Kaiviti Silktails thrashed Windsor Wolves 40-16 in their first RMC match in March and they were supposed to play their next match in Lautoka the following week but it was cancelled after Fiji confirmed its first COVID-19 case.

Players have been given their training programs and they will feature for their respective clubs in the Vodafone Cup which is expected to kick off on July 18 if restrictions are lifted.

Fiji Bati players selection changes amidst COVID-19

Karalaini Tavi

Multimedia Journalist Sports Desk | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | @KaralainiTaviFBCNews

APRIL 11, 2020 7:21 AM

FIJI BATI HEAD COACH BRANDON COSTIN

The initial plans to select the Fiji Bati squad for the Pacific Test in October has been changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bati is set to play New Zealand and Tonga at the end of the NRL season as a build up to the 2021 World Cup.

Fiji Bati Head Coach Brandon Costin says he originally wanted to monitor the local and overseas player’s performances for their various clubs but this has all changed.

Speaking to FBC News Brandon said, “My selection process would have revolve around the Ron Massey Cup out of Fiji and how well they adapted to the week in week our competition and how many of those players we would get into that test side and that would give us the whole season to watch the NRL matches as well and make the right decision”

The Bati is drawn with defending champions Australia for next year’s Rugby League Word Cup along with Scotland and Italy.

[Source: FBC NEWS]

Ravalawa to start for Dragon and Wakeham rest due to calf injury.

Dragons v Sharks, Sunday 6.30pmAEST at Campbelltown Stadium

Dragons: Euan Aitken replaces the injured Brayden Wiliame (calf) at centre, Tyrell Fuimaono starts in the second row for Tariq Sims (wrist), and Matt Dufty joins the interchange.

Sharks: Chad Townsend's return shifts Matt Moylan to fullback and Will Kennedy out of the 17. Mawene Hiroti replaces Ronaldo Mulitalo on the wing, Andrew Fifita starts at prop, Toby Rudolf goes back to the interchange and Siosifa Talakai drops out of the side.

Live on FBC :Bati Brothers Sivo & Kikau: Head to Head in Round 5 Blockbuster

Eels v Panthers at Bankwest Stadium

Eels: Nathan Brown returns at lock, bumping Marata Niukore to the bench. Ray Stone joins the interchange with Brad Takairangi and Oregon Kaufusi dropping out.

Panthers: Nathan Cleary's return in the halves means Matt Burton moves back to the bench, with Mitch Kenny out of the 17.

Scrums could be scrapped in Super League
NRL.com | By Brad Walter Senior Reporter

Thu 11 Jun 2020, 04:52 PM
Scrums may be scrapped and the NRL's new six-again rule introduced when Super League resumes in a bid to reduce the risk of players contracting COVID-19.

The changes will be considered by Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs ahead of possible implementation at the next RFL Board meeting in early July to help make the sport safer in the current public health situation.

The RFL Laws Committee recommended to clubs that they consider the removal of scrums from all fixtures for the rest of 2020, pending further clarification from Public Health England.

Medical experts on the committee presented strong evidence showing this would considerably reduce the threat of potential exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 between players during matches – and therefore reduce the risk of major disruption to any rearranged fixture list because of positive tests.

The introduction of the six-again whereby the tackle count is re-started for ruck infringements rather than a penalty being awarded is also viewed as having health benefits.

Officials believe the increased speed of play-the-balls under the six-again rule would reduce the number of players in each tackle and the amount of time spent in close contact.

"These are major recommendations, but these are unprecedented times, presenting the game with unique challenges," said RFL CEO and chair of the Laws Committee Ralph Rimmer.

"The Committee recognised the importance of consulting widely within the game before the recommendations are put to the RFL Board, and that process has already started. But we believe rugby league is well-served by its agility, in terms of being able to consider and implement such significant changes."

A further three NRL rule changes introduced earlier in 2020 are being considered for the resumption of the northern hemisphere season:

When a team kicks out on the full, play will be restarted by a play-the-ball rather than a scrum;

The restart following a mutual infringement (such as the ball hitting the referee or a trainer) will be a play-the-ball rather than a scrum;

Restrictions on the legal point of contact for a third defender in an upright tackle, which must now be above the knee.

"The recommendation to adopt a number of the rule changes that have been introduced in the NRL in 2020 will also assist in the important process of aligning the rules across both hemispheres," Rimmer said.

Vunivalu helps the Storm beat the Knights 26-12

By Tifa Vataiki | Fiji Village.Com

Sunday 14/06/2020

Suliasi Vunivalu scored as the Melbourne Storm beat the Newcastle Knights - [Photo: Getty Image]

Suliasi Vunivalu scored as the Melbourne Storm beat the Newcastle Knights 26-12.

In typical Storm fashion, skipper Cameron Smith was the chief orchestrator in the victory, keeping up the pressure on the Knights who eventually crumbled.

Smith set up two of the three first-half tries as Melbourne took an 18-2 lead into the sheds, but it could have been more if not for some defensive resilience from the Knights.

In other matches last night, the Rabbitohs beat the Titans 32-12 while the Canberra Raiders beat the Wests Tigers 14-6.

Blake stars as the Eels beat the Panthers 16-10

By Naveel Krishant | Fiji Village.Com

Saturday 13/06/2020

Fiji Bati star Waqa Blake scored a try as the Parramatta Eels beat the Penrith Panthers 16-10 - [Photo: NRL]

Fiji Bati star Waqa Blake scored a try as the Parramatta Eels beat the Penrith Panthers 16-10 last night.

A barnstorming effort from Blake in the 62nd minute started a three-try onslaught in a five-minute period after the Eels had trailed 10-0 with a quarter of the match remaining.

He also set up a try for his teammate.

In another match last night, the Warriors beat the Cowboys 37-26.

Looking at the matches today, the Rabbitohs will face the Titans at 5pm, the Knights will play the Storm at 7.30pm while the Wests Tigers will battle the Raiders at 9.35 tonight.

NRL Round 5