Jets Fired Up: Vatemo

The Nadi players always project a dif­ferent fighting spirit when it comes to defending the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy.

The timely reminder was sounded by Olympian and Jets first five-eighth Vatemo Ravouvou as they prepare for the double-header against Rewa at Prince Charles Park in Nadi this Saturday.

Experienced players like Ravouvou, Samu­ela Saqiwa, Napolioni Naulia, Sela Toga and Vilive Miramira will lead the Jets campaign this season.

In their last pre-season warm-up match the Jets defeated defending Skipper Cup Pre­miership champions Ram Sami Suva 22-17.

“A lot is at stake when it comes to the Fare­brother-Sullivan Trophy,” Ravouvou said.

“We’ve been preparing well and we are ready to defend our home ground this week­end.

“When it comes to a Farebrother challenge, Nadi’s ready to battle until the last whistle.

“We lifted our preparations to another level because we know all teams will be coming hard on us.

“This is a double-header being our first Skipper Cup Premiership match and also the challenge so we have to be very tactical in executing our plan.

“Rewa is an old team just like us and they will come prepared. They will want to start their season with a bang.”

Ravouvou added the number of new and young players in the Nadi squad will not change the game plan.

“They are so many new faces and we are excited to have them in the mix for this sea­son,” he said.

“Whether they are new players or not Nadi will still play the same rugby that we are known for.

“We want to give these young players the much needed experience that they need at this level.

“For us here in Nadi we are anticipating a good and tough game this weekend against Rewa.

“We will work hard to defend and retain the trophy.

“We urge our fans to come out in numbers and support the boys defend our trophy.”

Keep It For Nadi Sake

Meanwhile, veteran sports administrator and diehard Nadi rugby fan Bobby Tikaram is looking forward to the big match.

“The longer Nadi holds on to the Farebroth­er-Sullivan Trophy, the better for the econo­my and to the people of Nadi, ”Tikaram said.

“The closure of our borders due to the COV­ID-19 pandemic has caused so much hard­ship to hundreds of families in this tourist town of ours.

“Holding on to that trophy means more cash flowing into Nadi and that in turn will filter down to the most affected - the people of Nadi and the Western Division thus eve­ryone’s support is very much needed.”

In the other Skipper Cup games, Suva and Nadroga clash at ANZ Stadium, Northland and Naitasiri battle at Gatward Park, Koro­vou while Tailevu and Namosi play at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

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