Roosters President George Vu has put the Roosters briagde on high alert following a close defeat to the Ravoravo Rabbitohs at the APCO Western 9s Semi-finals 2 weeks ago. FNRL published the Pool Draws for the APCO Fiji Nines Finals that sees Roosters seeded with Eastern State 9s Champions Police Blue, losing West quarterfinalists Yasawa Saints and losing East quarterfinalists Vusu Raiders in Group A. Roosters Headcoach Varo is reviewing a 20-member squad that he's yet to declare for the APCO Fiji 9s with everyone suspecting a high probability he will retain most of the Western 9s Squad. Vu has given his side a stern warning to rise to the ocassion, as the Vanua 'expects the best performance' the Roosters can put at this Thursdays tournament.
"It really is anyones game this Thursday. I'm really impressed at young and fresh talents from non-traditional rivals like Yasawa Saints, Ba Saints and Kainiyahawa Tigers. Its good for the game to become more competitive" Vu said. "If we really want this Trophy to call Sabeto its home, then we've got to show up for it. Its the nationals 9s and every team has the same goal and only the fittest survive the challenge." Yasawa Saints Men's and Women's team had put up a sterling performance, both proceeding to the finals series of the APCO Western 9s. Wary of heavy proponents the Roosters have tuned up its spiritual focus ahead of the national 9s. "We have an equal amount of effort put up to preparing both mentally and physically. We have to strike the right balance and remain focused on our goal." Vu said. The Roosters play their first match against Police Blue at Lawaqa Park this Thursday at am. Tickets are $5.00FJD for Adults and $2.00FJD for Children under 12 years. As the 2022 season looms for the Roosters, senior match officials are out looking for rugby league fans who wish to participate in the game but in an extraordinary role as match official. Former Roosters Captain turned match official, Roger Qoro, is on the hunt for young male and female candidates to join Fiji rugby league's growing MO membership across the western conference. Qoro says he is keeping an eye rugby league followers who are eager to learn more about rugby league and are passionate about the sport. "We need to ensure there is a smooth transition of retiring rugby league MOs and that we have a good pool of officials always available across the season. I would like to see an avid follower of the game take up a role like match officiating and I am keeping an eye out for those young boys & girls who would be keen on having a go at officiating" Qoro said. FNRL has announced that players and officials will have to register before they can participate in the 2022 season and have since pushed back competition dates before it can commence competitions. FNRL CEO and officials held meetings with clubs in both states to discuss the 2022 season format among others important issues at the state meetings. "I am confident that club membership will grow because of the move to register everyone on MySideline, so every match official, like all players, will have to align themseleves with their club. So there's not only the option to play but you can also officiate and be part of this great game. "Getting more hands on deck for the season is beneficial for the game because officiating is not as easy as anyone thinks it is; so I'm trying to promote the role and help guide young youths to take up an MO role. It is fun, you get to meet new friends, learn new skills, and add to your resume. Imagine if a Form 5 student got involved as early as being 16 or 17 years old; the experience and exposure at club land & potentially Elite competition is something unique and inarguably rewarding." Qoro said. MO courses for new officials are scheduled for later this month across various locations with FNRL considering options to broadcast teaching sessions online. -END- Note: Parents and aspiring Officials can contact Mr Roger Qoro on 9303953 send an email to [email protected]. Registrations for Match Officials will be open all year round. Registrations for 16 Teams have been opened to rugby league clubs around the country this afternoon after Roosters Officials confirmed Prince Charles Park as the venue for its inaugural Nines tournament.
Roosters Nines will be held on Saturday 19th March in Nadi with teams expected to be announced on Thursday 10th March. The Premier Men's category have been confirmed and teams will have to put up a registration fee of $150.00FJD to enter into the competition. A total prise money of $2000.00FJD will be shared among all semi-finalists with the Cup winner taking $1000.00FJD, Runners-Up $500.00FJD and losing semi-finalists sharing $200.ooFJD each while individual player awards mincing the remaining $100.00FJD. Club Secretary Kolinio Naulago says he is optimistic about the event and anticipates interests from clubs outside of the Western Conference to make an appearance at the tournament. "We are excited about the tournament being held ahead of our major Fiji Nines Series tournament and hope clubs will take advantage of the opportunity to create some valuable game time. Nines is the future of rugby league and we are trying our best to deliver a fun-filled for players and fans next month." -END- Note: Teams wishing to register can call the following Tournament Contacts: Sivaniolo Varo: 9186014 Kolinio Naulago: 9919811 The Roosters are planning to host a 9s tournament as a prelude to the Pre-Season Fiji 9s series in March.
In a meeting of State executives in Sabeto, Roosters Head Coach Sivaniolo Varo had announced to western state rugby league members the Club's intentions to host a Nines tournament to engage players ahead of the planned 2022 season. The tournament is planned to be held on Saturday 19th March with at least 16 teams in the Men's division. The venue of the Roosters Nines is a major hurdle as many sporting federations are fighting for venues across the year in the wake of Fiji's return to normalcy. Club officials are scrambling to secure Prince Charles Park in Nadi with Nadovu Park being held as the best alternative for the tournament. It is anticipated that the details of the tournament will be announced by tomorrow Tuesday (01/03) including the numbers of teams expected at the tournament, the venue and prise monies up for grabs. -END- Note: More updates soon. For details contact Veji on 9186014. |