Tide Tribe Malolo winger Avete Daveta (back to the camera) makes a tackles against Vined Patal Ba at Yawini Park in Mana on August 8, 2025.
Photo: Ba Rugby
Tide Tribe Malolo Rugby Union (MRU) president, Jone Tuilawa is optimistic about their chances of playing against a strong FMF Suva side in Friday's Skipper Cup clash at Yawini Park in Mana.
"This team is a tight knitted group of young players that began their campaign in 2023," he told SUNsports yesterday.
"A few other players joined last year and the team is looking forward to the match. We are grateful of the level that we reached as it was a three-year plan."
Tuilawa said they are targeting to cement their spot for next year's Skipper Cup competition.
"We're trying to avoid relegation. We want to be safe and we want to raise our standards in playing big teams like Suva.
"We got a taste of it when we played against Naitasiri, worked on our errors and won against Ba."
Tuilawa is aware that Suva would bring in another tough match against them.
"Our players are young and we want to develop them. We'll leave everything on the field and see who comes out the winner.
"Tuilawa said changes are made to give their players exposure and game time.
"We are ready and are hopeful of playing well. The support from our families and the vanua will motivate the players to perform to the best of their ability."
Tuilawa acknowledged their sponsors for their support.
"I want to thank all the resorts that are backing this team. We want to thank Mana Island Resort and Spa as well for giving Yawini Sports Park to be our home ground."
