Kaiviti Silktails player back on familiar ground

KAIVITI Silktails player Rusiate Baleitamavua was back on familiar ground last Saturday as he ran out for the Raiwaqa Bombers during the Suva Touch Rugby Association competition.

Baletitamavua, 21, was a prominent figure in the Kaiviti Silktails team during the New South Wales Rugby League competition this year.

He was at the Gospel High School grounds marshaling his fellow players at halfback.

“I am happy to get an opportunity to play again with my teammates from Raiwaqa,” said Baleitamavua.

“I am just continuing with my training and this is a good way to gauge my fitness before I move forward.”

The man from Malawai Village in Gau with maternal links to Raviravi Village on Kadavu is no stranger to touch rugby – having represented Fiji at international tournaments, including the 2019 Touch Rugby World Cup in Malaysia.

He made the switch to rugby league and joined the Kaiviti Silktails this year, slotting into the first five-eighth position.

“It was a good experience to play at that level of competition in Australia,” Baleitamavua said.

“The weather was a big factor for me as we trained and played there. It was my first winter season there and I cherish those experiences.

“Competition was stiff over there and it is really good to get those types of exposure at such a young age.”

He urged youngsters to always keep a balance in life.

“My message to youngsters would be to always try and keep a balance of education and sports. If you want to focus mainly on sports, go ahead, but make sure you always set your priorities straight and set goals for yourself.”