Remorseful Naba promises to deliver March 09, 2010
Fiji 7s coach Iliesa Tanivula has given Etonia Naba another chance to prove himself after naming the Nadroga forward in his team to the third leg of the 2009/10 IRB World 7s Series.
Tanivula maintained during their preparation for the second leg of the Series to Wellington and San Diego that Naba was the fittest man on the squad.
However the policeman failed to make the team because of disciplinary reasons.
This time, Tanivula has thrown Naba a life line and is convinced the strong forward has learnt his lesson.
“A player can be the fittest and the best player in the squad but without proper discipline he is worthless to the team. Sevens game is a team sport, not an individual game so we need all 12 members of the team working together,” Tanivula said.
Naba was thrilled to be back in the sevens fold, promising to do his best for the country and the sport he loves.
“I can’t speak for the rest of the boys but when you get to watch a game on television and not be in there playing with them, it’s not a good feeling - that was the drive to my change,” he said.
“I have changed; I know I was in the wrong. I was disappointed that I was not named in the second leg team, I thought it unfair but now I see that no one is bigger than the game. I have learnt my lesson and I promise to make my selection worth it.”
Nasoni Roko has also made his way back into the team. Joeli Waisale Beci replaces injured speedster Josefa Bole while Joeli Lutumailagi comes on for William Ryder.
Pio Tuwai is in doubt for the third leg because of a leg injury but officials will confirm on Friday whether he can still play. He has been bracketed in with Turuva Lumelume.
The Fiji team departs for Adelaide on Monday at 9am. The Adelaide 7s kicks off on March 19-21.
Fiji team to Adelaide and Hong Kong: Forwards – Setefano Cakau, Etonia Naba, Pio Tuwai (Turuva Lumelume), Watisoni Votu, Apisai Naiyabo, Backs – Emosi Vucago (captain), Niumaia Cakacaka, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Osea Kolinisau, Waisale Beci, Joeli Lutumailagi, Nasoni Roko
Non Travelling: Randell Kamea, Joseva Bole, James Brown
Would it be wise considering the FASANOC sports personality to be on call? I think it is about time our Sevens gurus relooked at ways to recruit wingers like Niko Verekauta or others before we lose them leaving our shores.
News on
RSS 
