‘I’m Only 16, Happy To Be In Pearls Squad
Australian-based Grace Korovata is targeting a spot in the Fijian Pearls at the 2019 Netball World Cup in England on July 12-21.
Korovata, 16, plays as a defender for Leeton Netball Club in New South Wales Country and her mother Mereani Korovata is proud of her achievement.
“She’s only 16 and to be included in the 25 -member squad for Fiji is a great achievement for my daughter,”Mereani said.
“She has been sacrificing a lot in training and her dedication has finally paid off.
“It’s an honour for her and privilege to be part of her country’s team, we all happy for her.”
Grace said; “I’m happy to be part of the squad and if I don’t make it, it’s okay because I’m still 16 and have a long way to go but I’m happy to be identified and be part of the 25 member squad.”
The Veidrala, Nakorotubu, Ra native is the daughter of former Fiji Bati winger to the 1995 Rugby League World Cup Niumaia Korovata who also represented Fiji in rugby union.
The former Police officer is now retired and is living with his wife and four children Anna, Ruth, Grace and only son Niumaia Jnr in Leeton, NSW.
He originally played rugby union for the Police club, and played nine games, including three Test matches, for Fiji in 1990 and 1991.
Korovata then switched codes to rugby league. He joined the Yanco Wamoon Hawks in the Group 20 Rugby League competition, winning premierships with the team in 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1995 he also represented the NSW Country sevens side. He also won the club’s Best and Fairest award in 1996.
His brother Pio Kubuwai was one of the Fiji Bati pioneers.
Now Grace aims to follow her dad’s and uncle footsteps and is already stamping her mark at the young age of 16.
Grace and her mother have been in the country since January 21 and will return to Australia on February 9.
“She needs my support and I’m already giving her my motherly support.”
– Edited by Osea Bola
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