Rugby League has stepped in to resurrect the sporting career of Naitasiri Under-19 lock Keresi Maya.

Maya, is understood to have copped a six-year ban (from all forms of rugby- Fiji and abroad) from the Fiji Rugby Union disciplinary committee for punching referee Peni Talemaivavalagi.

It is believed that Maya’s legal representative is going to appeal the decision because they want to clear his name.

Maya, through the Fiji National Sports Commission, signed up with the National Rugby League (NRL) club Cronulla Sharks last year. He joined their wider training squad in Sydney, but had to return home in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Naselesele native from Taveuni is now registered with the Nabua Broncos.

This was confirmed in SUNsports on Saturday by Vodafone Fijian Bati head coach Josaia Dakuitoga Rabele.

“Hopefully I should see him (Maya) playing for them next week,” Rabele said.

“I’m eager to watch him (Maya) play and if he impresses me then he will be selected to the Kaiviti Silktails squad.”

Rabele said rugby league was flexible and welcomes anyone who wanted to play the sport.

It is believed there are mechanisms already in place for the 19-year-old Maya to undergo counselling sessions,” Rabele said.

“We always welcome young kids and budding rugby league players like Keresi who wants to play in the FNRL.”

Meanwhile, Dakuitoga is impressed with the local clubs performance and discipline.

“The discipline showed by teams was good. We don’t tolerate violence so I want to thank the coaching staff for taking action on the message we sent last week in regards to keeping violence out of sports.”

Rabele said the level of the competition had gone up with teams like Lami Steelers beating one of top contenders Topline Warriors.

“For the Nasinu Zone, Nadera Panthers is the team to beat for their consistency,” he said.

Rabele said Silktails head coach Wes Naiqama had been identifying some talented players during the competition.

“It’s easy to identify the players who are going through the East squad programme. We can see the difference as they are the outstanding ones,” he said.

“Some of the players in the Silktails system were briefed by Wes about their performance.

“To all players out there if you want to be part of the Kaiviti Silktails and the Fiji Bati squad you have to be disciplined and be mentally and physically prepared.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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