It is no surprise that hard work and dedication will help you achieve your target, and it speaks volumes for Vodafone Fijian U20 prop Michael Joseph Lee.

Lee was named in the 26-member squad last week and one that he deserves given the fact that some of his family members doubted him from the start.

Yesterday, he revealed that would like to represent Fiji like his idol, Campese Ma’afu.

“When I found out that I was named in the team, the feeling of joy, surprise all came at once,” Lee said.

“Achieving this milestone just made me happy even more because some of my family members did not believe that I could make the cut.

“But now, all that matters is that my mum and dad are proud of me.”

The 19-year-old from Lami is the first in his family to play the sport as he only picked up the rugby ball last year.

“I am the eldest in my family and I am also the first one to play rugby out of my siblings,” he said.

“I didn’t pick up a rugby ball until last year when I played for the Covenant Blues and that is where I got recognised and called to be part of the U20 training squad.

“In a way I am happy that I am the first one because my little brothers would hopefully want to take up the sport too when they get older.”

The former Cathedral Secondary School student said his idol was Vodafone Flying Fijian prop Ma’afu and has set his goal to be just like him.

“This is my first big break and I know that I am just starting out as a rugby player but being part of the U20 has opened my eyes and helped improve the way I play.

“I know that this will help me reach my goal of being the next Campese Ma’afu because he is my idol and I want to be a great prop just like him.”

With just three days to go before the 2015 Oceania Rugby Junior Trophy, Lee said he wants to get experience more than anything.

“I am so nervous but excited at the same time about our first game and also the whole tournament,” he said.

“But I am looking to get experience which I know will help improve me as a player and also want to make my team proud.

“I was included in this squad for a reason and I know that each and every one of us will be going out there to prove ourselves.”

The Vodafone Fijian U20 will play Papua New Guinea on Friday at 3pm at the ANZ Stadium.

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