Hillmen warned: Don’t underestimate Malolo
“We are not underestimating them. We will be grounded and prepare like we have been preparing every week,” he added.
Monday 27 October 2025 | 02:00
Farebrother trophy holders Naitasiri is a step away from winning the 2025 Skipper Cup, however they understand it would not be a walk in the park.
The hillmen will face newcomers Malolo in Saturday’s Skipper Cup final and captain Jone Naqiri said they are anticipating a tough battle. The two sides first met in a double-header clash in round one; Naitasiri won, 39-16.
Naitasiri came from behind to beat Tailevu, 31-26, in the first semi-final last Saturday while Tide Tribe Malolo slayed a star studded Nadi side, 31-19, to book their first Skipper Cup final spot.
Related stories
Naqiri said their victory was possible with God’s guidance and strength.
“We will not count our win in the first round. We will prepare like we’re meeting for the first time,” Naqiri said.
“Malolo is a strong team. They are giant killers – defeating big teams in this year’s Skipper Cup competition despite being newcomers.
“We are not underestimating them. We will be grounded and prepare like we have been preparing every week,” he added.
Naitasiri was down, 10-23, at halftime before they regrouped and came back stronger in the second half.
“The halftime pep talk motivated us. Our head coach told us if we’re from Naitasiri then we have to show it on the field,” Naqiri said.
Meanwhile, Malolo head coach Rupeni Nasiga said they’re not banking on big games as they prepare for a historic clash.
He said the win against Nadi was through working together as a team.
“We gave away a lot of penalties and we will be working on our discipline,” Nasiga said.
