Naitasiri brace for tough Farebrother defence against Suva
The Timoci-Tinaviti coached side has successful defended the trophy since the first challenge from Malolo at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori in round one of the Skipper Cup competition. Naitasiri beat Malolo, 39-16.
Monday 29 September 2025 | 23:00
From left: Naitasiri captain Jone Naqiri and Kavekini Tavakula with the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy at the HFC Bank Stadium on September 27, 2025.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
It will be an arduous fight for Naitasiri when they face Suva in Saturday’s double-header clash at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.
The undefeated capital city side will challenge the INKK Farebrother trophy against the hill men.
Naitasiri Rugby coaching director Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr said their side has understood the assignments, this will be their final defence.
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The Timoci-Tinaviti coached side has successfully defended the trophy since the first challenge from Malolo at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori in round one of the Skipper Cup competition. Naitasiri beat Malolo, 39-16.
Nadroga also lost, 24-26, in the second challenge in round four before Lautoka and Vatukoula were defeated, 41-38 and 35-15, in round five and seven respectively.
However, this week’s challenger Suva is the only team that has not lost a match yet this season and is leading the Skipper Cup table.
“Suva has been the Skipper Cup champion for a few now, and they are a very well-balanced and coached side,” Tuisese Jnr said.
“It will be an uphill battle for us Highlanders considering that they also pride themselves in their set piece play.
“We need to perfect our working parts and detail well to precision.
“On that same note, the boys know what is at stake here. They (Naitasiri) are the pride of the province, and our preparation is all geared to keep the Holy Grail of Fiji rugby to spend Christmas again with our kinsmen in our beloved province,” he added.
Naitasiri captain Jone Naqiri added they will stick to their weekly routine of training as advised by their coaching panel.
He added almost 90 per cent of the squad have played so far with only a few left to earn their debut for the side.
“We look up to Suva, it’s a champion side. We will keep our feet on the ground,” the Drua development prop said.
“We will continue with our weekly training and hope to continue our successful defend.”
Naitasiri has only lost once so far; they were beaten by Tailevu, 27-22, in round two of the Skipper Cup competition.
