Fijian Drua Halfback Takes on Challenge
“Be yourself out there on the field and be comfortable with how you play and don’t play like somebody else,” he added.
Thursday 01 February 2024 | 09:56
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players (from left) halfback Philip Baselala, Mesake Doge and Elia Canakaivata during the team training in Nadi on May 23, 2023. Photo: Fijian Drua Media
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua halfback Philip Baselala knows that he faces a huge challenge to make the Match 23 squad in this season’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Baselala made those comments since he has to compete against the Flying Fijian halfbacks of Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu and Simione Kuruvoli.
The former Suva Grammar School student said with the depth in the position to make at least five appearances is going to be a massive challenge.
The 19-year-old made his debut for the Drua last year.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players, from left, Emosi Tuqiri, Epeli Waqaicece and Philip Baselala at the Punjas Group factory in Lautoka on December 5, 2023. Photo: Fijian Drua Media
He said like other players who do aim to play right throughout the season having first-choice players like Lomani around who has 45 Super Rugby matches under his belt, would only make him work harder to impress the coaches.
“It won’t be easy for me."
"It has been hard for the past few days because we are still in the pre-season."
“A lot of sacrifices are made when I go out rather than staying home because I must always hit the gym.”
Baselala said players who are playing in this year’s Vodafone Deans Trophy must believe in themselves.
“Be yourself out there on the field and be comfortable with how you play and don’t play like somebody else,” he added.
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