We still have a chance to win back the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy, says Naitasiri and Swire Shipping Fi­jian Drua lock, Chris Minimbi.

He made the comment after Naita­siri’s 12-14 loss to Jack’s Nadi at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, last Saturday.

Minimbi was the team’s water boy.

Speaking to SUNsports, Minimbi said it was not the end of the road.

“If Suva wins next week, we are the next challengers for the prestig­ious trophy,” he said.

“Hats off to the boys for a good performance and they will only get better and better as the competition goes on.

“There is hope and a huge chance for Naitasiri to get the trophy back, but we will have to keep working hard.”

Minimbi said anything could hap­pen because the competition was competitive.

He praised both teams for display­ing great rugby skills and intensity.

“This is the kind of rugby that we love: hard hitting and offloading. This is the kind of rugby that we want to do with the Drua,” he said.

“It’s good to watch and even play in these games. The intensity and high tempo was really good. This is where we all started – the Skip­per Cup. It is where most of us be­gan, so this is home to us. It’s closer than you think! I played in the same team last year when we won the challenge. We just need to keep working hard and do the extras. We’ll be alright.”

Despite the loss, Minimbi said the Naitasiri team should not be under­estimated.

“The team has some good per­sonal, good leadership, good mix of young players as well. To the fans thanks for the amazing support and we know that it will continue,” Minimbi said.