Three Savuiqali Marine players have secured contracts to play for Sydney rugby club Blacktown Warriors.

The players Pio Seru, Maciu Rauluni and Filimoni Seru Jnr got their contracts after playing in the Lake Macquarie 7s in Australia where they won the tournament after beating favourites Tribe 17-12 in the final.

The Marine are made-up of players from Naidi village in Savusavu and are the only team out of Vanua Levu to play and win a tournament overseas. The win has earned them more than $6000.

“This is the second time for the club to play out of Fiji,” said club patron and spiritual mentor, Pastor Tuimasi Seru.

“The first was last year where we took part in the Battle of Brisbane tournament and won the plate final.”

Pastor Seru said the fact that three players got contracts is a good opportunity for them to better their lives and their rugby career.  “Rugby here in Savusavu is not really growing, we have the talent and the potential but when it comes to development, nothing is really happening.

“So that is why these contracts mean a lot to these players because it gives them a chance to broaden their knowledge of the game and do something better with their lives especially when doing something that they love.

“For those who play rugby here in the village, there is nothing for them, they don’t get any money at all so our win at the Lake Macquarie Sevens and our players getting contracts is a boost for us and give our players hope.

“The Blacktown Warriors have offered the players a car and a house to live-in and they are really excited about starting the season with the team because it has been a real eye-opener for them.”

Pastor Seru also pointed out the Marine have set an example to all clubs that money is not always important.

“The team travelled to Australia for the second time and we did it without sponsors or help from outside. The players raised the money through hard work, copra farming, diving and any other way they could figure out to raise the funds and they did it.

“Though the money helped us get to Australia, it was the guts, glory, passion and the talent amongst the players is what won us the tournament and what got those three players recognised.

“This should be an example to other clubs, they can have all the money in the world but if they do not have the passion, talent and commitment of the players, they will not go very far,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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