‘Gone But Not Forgotten’
Rugby League International Federation’s Tas Baitieri was in tears after describing the hard work done by fallen Fiji National Rugby League executive chairman Peni Musunamasi for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII to play in Fiji on October 10.
“Peni had been lobbying for the past four to five years for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII to play here against the Fijian All Stars,” Baitieri who is the RLIF’s development officer said while delivering his eulogy at the National Gymnasium, Suva yesterday.
“The Australian Prime Minister’s XIII first played Papua New Guinea in 2005 and it has been an annual event.
“Peni talked to me about having them play against a Fijian All Stars side in Fiji. He worked hard on it.
“I regret that once it’s going to happen on October 10, which is your Independence Day, Peni is no longer here.”
Baitieri said the passing away of Musunamasi was felt by the rugby league family all around the world.
“Peni had an immense presence on the rugby league family around the world with condolence messages received from Australia’s NRL, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, England, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, USA, Cook Islands, Ukraine, Lebanon, Serbia, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Thailand, Canada, Cameroon, Burundi and Papua New Guinea.”
Baitieri also highlighted the presence of Saint Mary’s Rugby League Cup president Warren Smith.
“This is because of their 30-year friendship with Peni. Every year Warren brings his club’s under-13 side to Fiji where they play a couple of matches.
“The St Mary’s over the years have hosted or look after the Fiji Bati teams.”
CHANGES
FNRL board director Tomi Finau said the late Musunamasi was instrumental in ensuring that devotion becomes a part of all local rugby league teams.
“He was instrumental in removing the traditional war dance Quruquruvatu, which was usually performed by the Bati and for them to sing the chorus, Oqo na noqu masu.
“Peni made sure by implementing that devotion is compulsory for the Fijian Bati team and this is made clear to the overseas coaches and players.”
Musunamasi was laid to rest at the Vatuwaqa Cemetery.
Edited by Osea Bola
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