Leawere Demands For Ball Retention

Despite thrashing Manuma Samoa 60-10 in Round One of the Fiji Rugby Invita­tional Series, the Swire Ship­ping Fijian Warriors team needs to improve on its ball possession.

Head coach Kele Leawere said the Warriors, during the match on Saturday at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, gave away a lot of pos­session.

“Looking at our stats we were kicking the ball a lot – and one of the things we want to improve on is ball retention; keep and run the ball,” Leawere said.

On the other hand, he also heaped praises for the Fijian Drua players in the squad.

“The inclusion of the Fijian Drua players in the squad has been great motivation to the younger players.

"It’s important to have the Drua players there: they are the mentors,” he said.

“Having them there, the young­er players are confident; at the same time, we need them to step up and play at this level."

"We will have a look at the team as it’s im­portant to have them there.”

One of the standout players for Leawere include Motikai Mur­ray.

“He (Motikai) played extremely well, even though he is 19 years old."

"It is important for players to know we are at the next level,” the coach said.

“When there are Drua players like Chris Minimbi, Raikabula Momoedonu and Tevita Ikani­vere giving them the encourage­ment to perform, it is to their benefit."

“There is a pathway but at the same time, we need to trust our young players."

"We need Drua players or senior players as men­tors in the side."

“Coaches can do so much, but when the players are together in the hotel and during the game, they help the young ones.”

The former Flying Fijian also admitted that training format had changed, compared to his time.

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