Thank you for Kicking Tips: Baleilevuka

Composed rookie Nadroga flyhalf Joeli Baleilevuka had acknowledged Fijian Drua development player Jack Volavola and coach Sireli Bobo for their kicking tips during their training sessions.

This is after Baleilevuka successfully converted three crucial penalty kicks to help the Stallions win 21 -17 in a tightly contested semi-final Skipper Cup clash against Naitasiri at Ratu Cakobau Park last Saturday.

“I want to thank God for the talent, and I never dreamt that I’d play for Nadroga at one point in my rugby career,” Baleilevuka said.

“Despite the noise from the Naitasiri crowd, I focused on the goal which was to nail the conversion for my team.”

Baleilevuka acknowledged the Nadroga rugby fans for their support at Ratu Cakobau Park last Saturday.

“I’ll have to be better with kicking against a difficult side like Suva,” he said.

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“It’s my first time playing in the Skipper Cup competition and playing in the semi-final is massive for me.”

Baleilevuka said he has set a target to be included in the Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians set-up in the future.

“I’ve had some ups and downs in my rugby career as I was dropped from the Fiji Bati 2022 Rugby League World Cup extended squad and the Fiji 7s development squad last year,” he said.

“Indeed, I was dropped in the space of two years, but I was not disheartened as I’ve joined the Nadroga team and I’m thankful to God for the opportunity.”

Baleilevuka said they will need to play smart rugby in the final against defending champions Suva this Saturday.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj