Malolo to lift performance: Tuilawa

The Tide Tribe Malolo team will lift their performance to another notch in Saturday’s Skipper Cup final against Naitasiri.

The men from the Mamanuca group are preparing for their first final after a strong 31–19 victory over Nadi in the semifinals last Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva. 

Malolo Rugby Union president Ratu Jone Tuilawa thanked the team management, coaches, and supporters for their dedication and hard work throughout the 40-week campaign.

“Our target this year was to reach the top eight and qualify for the quarterfinals,” Tuilawa said. 

“We are proud to be playing in the Skipper Cup final. This is a huge achievement for the team and the entire Malolo rugby community.”

This year marks Malolo’s first return to the competition since implementing their three-to-five-year development strategy, initiated in 2023. 

Tuilawa said the team’s progress reflected the success of that long-term plan.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board with the coaches and work hard on our groundwork. 

“The boys have been improving in all areas, and this week we’ll lift our performance to meet a strong Naitasiri side,” he added. 

The two teams previously met during the first round of the competition in the Farebrother Cup challenge; Naitasiri won, 39-16. 

Tuilawa said he acknowledges the challenge ahead, noting that Naitasiri will be eager to retain both trophies on home soil.

“We know they will be very tough this weekend, but we are prepared to give our best. If it’s our week to win, we will win,” he added. 

“We leave everything on the field and pray that the better-prepared team will come out on top.”

The Malolo Rugby Union also extended appreciation to all individual sponsors from Fiji and abroad who continue to support the team. 

“We are truly thankful to everyone who has contributed. Your generosity means so much to the players and the team.

“We invite all Malolo supporters around Fiji to come out and cheer for the boys one last time this season.”