Anything is possible for local-based players, if they are focused, listen to instructions and train hard, says Fiji Airways Fijian Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

He was reacting to questions after six members of the Drua side that won the Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) last year were named in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Rugby World Cup squad for September.

“For me as a coach it shows that we are doing something right from the (Swire Shipping) Fijian Warriors to the Drua,” Seruvakula said.

The players selected for the World Cup are Drua captain Mosese Voka, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Veremalua Vugakoto, Frank Lomani and Alivereti Veitokani.

“Also, prop Kalivati Tawake played for the Drua in the 2017 season while Peni Ravai, Leeory Atalifo and Tevita Ratuva started off by playing for the Warriors,” he said.

The coach highlighted that the selection of these players placed a big challenge for upcoming players who are taking part in domestic competitions.

Seruvakula said during the Drua’s first week in camp, 19 out of the 33 players were newcomers.

“Last Friday, during assessment most of these players indicated that they have learnt a lot of things. For them it was actually going up another level; something they did not know while playing provincially,” he said.

The Drua squad move into camp today to continue their preparations for the new season.

“The team is made up of players who were very consistent at the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Challenge,” he said.

“We’ve not only picked players from the major unions, but we also picked players from the Vodafone Vanua Cup.”

Seruvakula said it was not going to be an easy ride this season.

“We understand it’s going to be a tough season as we will be defending the National Rugby Championship title. There will be a lot of learnings for new players coming into the team,” he said.

“The players will go through intense training to get match fitness and right combinations before our first game against Brisbane City in Brisbane, Australia, on August 31.

“This week is going to be a tough week; we only two weeks to prepare before our first game.

“The coaching staff and the management will have to work hard the next two weeks to keep everyone in good shape before we go to Brisbane to play our first game.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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