Vunakece Makes Call

Former Sydney Roosters and Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece is calling for more Tier One tests matches for the Fiji Bati.

“You learn so much from those big games against elite squads.

Iron sharpens iron so they (Fiji Bati) might as well sharpen against the best,” Vunakece said.

Vunakece made the comment while on a family reunion at Tavualevu.

He returned to Australia last week.

“Such games inspire future generations.”

Vunakece said the exposure bring about much needed improvement in most aspects of the game.

“The amount my game improved after playing against big teams, it really highlights where you lack in fundamentals.

Get the fundamentals right and it takes you far,” he said. Vunakece is impressed with the direction that the current Fiji Bati team is heading under the leadership of Tui Kamikamica.

“The great showing at the 2022 World Cup with a narrow last minute win to NZ, as well as almost taking out the Pacific championship; I think the Bati of the future is shaping up to be a forced to be reckoned with,” he said.

“The coolest part about it is there are 100 Semi Radradra and Marika Koroibete ready to roll into systems right now.”

The Vunakece family was recently in Fiji for nine days for their vacation and family reunion.

“The reason for the recent visit is because my dad is going through a few health issues at the moment.

We thought it would be a great time to head over with him as a family and it was the first time our youngest two, Meli and Jagger to be in Viti,” he said.

“To bring our youngest two children over and have them experience some life in Fiji was the best part.

Seeing them experience island lifestyle, the village, meeting aunties, uncles and all the family was the best.”

Vunakece said the experience in Fiji was special as it connected him to the natural landscape, culture and the people.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj