The Western State Maroons rugby league team is optimistic of a positive result against the Eastern State Blues in the second Pherrus 2020 Vanua State of Origin rugby league series at Prince Charles Park, Nadi today.
The Design Engineering Ltd-sponsored team is laced with the cream of rugby league talents from the ten clubs participating in the Fiji National Rugby League 2020 Vodafone Cup Maroons state zone and have taken a different approach towards the important match.
“We have kick-started our preparations at the sand dunes,” said head coach Vela Tawake.
“We want to come away from Nadi and prepare in a remote area so that the boys aren’t distracted.
“We are camping at Namatakula Village.”
Morale is at an all-time high in camp and there is a great camaraderie shown by the players, despite coming from different clubs and areas in the West.
“The boys are in high spirits and will run on to the field confident of a win.
“The message drilled to them during camp has been about the importance regarding the second match because if we lose, the series will be lost.
“We will come with all guns blazing.
“I pray for good weather conditions because in the first match the rainy conditions greatly hampered the team’s ability to stick to the game plan but no excuse since that match is history.”
Tawake has requested the club supporters in the West to flock in numbers at Prince Charles Park this afternoon to provide the extra lung-power to the team.
It is envisaged that a newlook 20-member squad has been assembled for the crunch match after some players were unavailable due to injuries and a drop in form.
The Westerners had its captain’s run yesterday at Prince Charles Park. The match kicks off at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile Ravoravo Rabbitohs strongman Maika Serulevu is expected to captain the side.
Maroons squad: Tikiko Noke (Ravoravo Rabbitohs), Josaia Ravouvou (Namoli West Tigers), Josaia Raboiliku (Coastline Roos), Jonasa Vuata (Nadi Eels), Savenaca Saukuru (Sabeto Roosters), Maika Serulevu (Ravoravo Rabbitohs), Meli Nabura (Coastline Roos), Seremaia Tuinoda (Saru Dragons), Kelemedi Waqa (Saru Dragons), Maika Toga (Sabeto Roosters), Josateki Masibalavu (Coastline Roos), Samuel Daveta (Ravoravo Rabbitohs), Samisoni Navatu (Saru Dragons), Ilai Nareki (Coastline Roos), Isaia Vuda (Saru Dragons), Aporosa Nawadranu (Yasawa Saints), Tomasi Vunicagi (Sabeto Roosters), Josefa Lalawa (Ravoravo Rabbitohs), Apolosi Tuiloma (Ravoravo Rabbitohs) and Vereti Peceli (Ravoravo Rabbitohs).
