Rising Kaiviti Silktails centre Vuate Karawalevu got a call-up in the eleventh hour to play for the Sydney Roosters Under-21 (Jersey Flegg) side during the New South Wales Rugby League competition on Saturday.

It was dream debut for the Dravuwalu, Kadavu, native, as he scored a try as they beat the Parramatta Eels Under-21 side 28-20 at Ringrose Park.

Speaking to the SUNsports yesterday the 20-year-old said he was humbled by the opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true for me to finally run onto the pitch in Roosters colours,” the former Marist Brothers High School student said.

“It’s been a long time coming, I’m here and it is a wonderful experience.

“The pace of the game was so fast but I thank God for the Silktails experience. It helped me adapt very quickly.”

Humble beginning

Karawalevu said running in to score the try brought back many memories of his humble beginning.

“I could feel the power of support and prayers from my family pushing me to success,” he said. “I dedicate my first try to my mum.

“It is my Mother’s Day present. Also to cousin, my namesake and uncle whose birthdays was on game day. And not forgetting my family from both my paternal and maternal side for their endless support.”

Karawalevu said, his success so far has been through divine intervention.

“I’m so humbled to be part of this wonderful team.”

“During the jersey presentation I was emotional thinking about my family back home but it was worth the long wait.

“I want to thank coach, Wes Naiqama, the Kaiviti Silktails team and the coaching staff for their support in making me the player that I’m today.

“It’s truly a magical moment. My only wish was for my parents and family to be here and witness the game. I believe their prayers and support carried me through.

“My goal now is to put my head down, stay grounded and work hard to make it to the senior Roosters team and the Fiji Bati rugby league team to the world cup.”

Silktails chief executive officer, Stephen Driscoll is happy with Karawalevu’s performance.

“I’m extremely proud of our young Kadavu flyer who has learnt leaps and bounds since making the switch from rugby union, not more than eight months back.

“The world is your oyster mate,” he said.

“Vuate joined the Silktails Elite Development Pathway programme in 2020 and was among 90 squad members competing for a spot in the Silktails.

“The Kadavu lad has had a brilliant performance in the Ron Massey Cup, scoring three tries in his six games so far on top of a hat-trick in a pre-season trial against the Mascot Jets.

“Roosters won three of eight games so far and are currently sitting at the eighth position on the Jersey Flegg ladder.

“With getting Vuate to progress into the Roosters development side and televising their match live there is so much more for Kaiviti Silktails to demonstrate to Fijian ruggers wanting to further their rugby league career.

On Saturday, May 8, Silktails hit two big milestones showcasing the current pathway for resident Fijian rugby league players and broadcasting their first match to an international audience.

“It grows our brand as we’ve found the interest is there in and around our team, and not just from friends and family back home, but the wider league community.

“There is a big picture here in terms of Rugby League expansion in the Pacific.”

Silktails win

Meanwhile, the Silktails lived up to their Mother’s Day promise as they beat Hawks 42-20 at the Mascot Oval in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday night

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj