The Kaiviti Silktails final phase of preparation towards the New South Wales (NSW) Ron Massey Cup, which kicks-off on March 15,  begins next Saturday.

The team have trial matches lined-up against Eastern Vodafone Cup rugby league teams in Suva.

The Eastern teams comprised of best players in the region.

The Silktails will then have another trial game against the Nadi Aviators in Lautoka on February 22.

The week after, they will play the Hela Wigman team as a curtain-raiser to the Nadi based-Ravoravo Rabbitohs showdown against Lae Snax Tigers for the Melanesian Cup on February 29.

Vodafone Fijian Bati head coach Brandon Costin said players from the East could be given a spot in the team if they perform well.

“There is opportunities for players in the East team to get promoted into the Silktails team,” Costin said.

“At the moment we have room in our squad, some players have left and there are spots available.”

After the trials on Saturday, the team will be re-locating to Lautoka.

“With the new High-Performance Unit facility available, the boys will be camped there fulltime,” he said.

Costin added they are still working on getting ensuring that players get an understanding on how to play in the competition.

“Going from Vodafone Cup into the Ron Massey Cup is a very big step,” he said.

“We have to make sure that all the players have an understanding on what is required at that level.

“The trial game will be an opportunity for the players to practice the style of play, make mistakes and a place to learn and grow.”

The Melanesian Cup is set for  February 29 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The Ron Massey Cup will start on March 15 with 10 matches to be played in Lautoka.

Edited by Osea Bola

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