Defending champion Lautoka is pooled with Suva for the Fiji Men's and Mixed Netball Association's fifth National District Championship at the National Netball Centre tomorrow.
Six districts; Labasa, Suva, Nasinu, Nadi, Lautoka and Ba are taking part in the eight-team men's and seven-team mixed netball competitions.
Tournament co-ordinator Sikeli Leweni says it's always hard to predict the winners.
"All teams have equal strength and this is why men's and mixed netball draws a lot of spectators and support," he said.
"One team to look out for this year will be Nasinu. They're a newly formed association and finished runner-up in the men's grade of the Inter District Championship held in Lautoka in September," Leweni said.
"They pose a threat to giants Lautoka, Nadi and Suva."
FMMNA president Isikeli Vulavou yesterday clarified Nadroga was not taking part because the association was not affiliated to the parent body.
"They are not a member," he said. "They haven't paid the affiliation and registration fees so they are ineligible to take part."
Nadroga president Judy Kumar had been earlier reported as saying they pulled out because there was a lack of interest from players.
However, Vulavou said the door was totally shut to Nadroga.
"We would like to help them but they need to appreciate our position. We need our members to make a commitment."
Vulavou said the district championship would be used to identify elite netters for future regional and international meets. "Unfortunately, we did not participate in the most recent competition held in the Cook Islands in October because of a lack of funding."
Suva is defending champs in the mixed grade.
