The young Kaiviti Silktails rugby league players need the support and prayers of all Fijians as they leave for Australia, next Tuesday.

Over there the players and officials will undergo 14 days of quarantine before they set-up their camp to prepare for next month’s Ron Massey Cup competition.

Two members of the current squad have played for the Fijian Bati and are the most experienced. They are Peni Tagituimua and robust centre Pio Seci, while the rest of the players are taking their first overseas trip.

Silktails head coach Wes Naiqama has confidence in his young side to do well in the competition.

“I got a very young group with a lot of energy,” the former Fijian Bati captain said.

“They all play exciting football. I have been tracking them all year long by watching them play in Suva and Lautoka.”

“It’s good to see most of them make the cut to the Silktails so it will be very interesting to watch them play in the competition.”

“Right now I’m far from picking my run on side.”

Naiqama said the coaching staff are working closely with the players to ensure that they adjust to their new home.

“We’re trying to get there and get a bearing of how things are,” he said.

“I think the only thing they will try and get used to, is the winter over there. It’s going to be warm right now.”

“ It’s just like the weather here in Lautoka which is hot at the moment.”

For most of these players this is an opportunity to secure a professional contract and continue on from there.

“Securing a better deal help them to support their family in Fiji,” Naiqama said.

“I’m amazed with these young players so sometimes when we are in team meetings or events like this, I stand back and just look around. I’m blessed to be in the position of coach.

“It’s been physical. We will get another warm-up game over there (in Sydney) before we kick off round one.

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