RISING star Iliesa Ratuva Jnr is still trying to come to terms with his sudden transition from rugby union to rugby league.
And what makes it more interesting is the positional change that challenges him in the new code.
The 18-year-old said he has playing rugby all his life but he didn’t mince his words when was first asked by his King College coach in New Zealand of trying out rugby league with the Melbourne Storms in the NRL.
He played lock and flanker for the Kings College but was shifted to the wing by the Storms after securing a two year deal this year.
Ratuva Jnr was first spotted by rugby scouts while playing for the Cuvu College joining Kini Naholo -the brother of All Blacks flyer Waisake Naholo for two year’s full scholarship in New Zealand. Before the completion of his two years he was recruited by the Storms.
He is in the country to enjoy the festive season with his family and loved ones before re-joining his new team mates Down Under for off-season training.
“Its kind a weird at first because I played rugby for my whole life,” said Ratuva Jnr.
“It’s a huge transition and also a huge step to take.”
“I was brought-up by my parents at Mataqe settlement in Nadroga, I spent two years in New Zealand to finish off my high school Year 12 and 13 at Kings College in Auckland.
“I also played for two seasons for the college first 15s team before just signed with the Storms a couple of weeks ago.
“But it’s good to be home and settle down and spent some time away from footy to freshes my before joining the team again next week.”
Ratuva Jnr said it was his high school in New Zealand who first informed him about the offer.
“We got a coach Josese Lave who is coaching us at school in the first 15s team – he also played few games for the Storms – he was the one that told me about the offer- so they call him and they came to New Zealand during the New Zealand school quarter final and spotted me.
“At first I thought to myself that rugby league doesn’t suit me so I was kind like thinking about it – at one point I just said – just give it a go and see where it takes me.
“I played flanker and lock and now they put in the wing for the Storms.”
He said he was slowly learning the rule of the game and was excited to be training alongside some of the world’s and Australian rugby league greats.
Ratuva Jnr said the players were helpful and he loved the new team environment and team culture.
“It is always hard to get in the first training run and to get to know the rules.”
“But feel welcomed in my first training session and its really great and I am loving it.”
He thanked his family for their never ending support and also commended his Kings College coaches for grooming him to be the player he is today.
“I thank my family for all the things they have done for me, to all my coaches in Auckland, New Zealand I just want to thank you for looking after me.”
He said he was looking forward to the new challenges for the new season.
Rugby background and spiritual upbringing
Ratuva Jnr comes from a family with rich rugby background at Yadua Village in Nadroga.
His older brother Tevita Ratuva also played for the champion Nadroga team, before securing a contract in Australia. He was part of the Brisbane City side that featured in this year’s NRC.
Their uncles Aca Ratuva and Vula Maimuri have played rugby overseas and later represented the Flying Fijians. Other relatives that have donned the national jumpers are Ratu Mosese Volavola and Ratu Kini Volavola.
According to his dad and namesake Iliesa Ratuva Snr one of the contributing factors for the success of his two sons were through the seeds planted by his dad.
He said his dad was missionary who spread the good news to Australia.
Ratuva Snr said the blessing from the Almighty God complimented by their spiritual upbringing and the family rugby gene elevated his sons to secure overseas contracts.
The family resides at Mataqe settlement near Yadua village and are members of the Rock Church congregation.
Ratuv Snr said he always emphasised to his two boys the significance of spiritual values and sheer perseverance.
“During their school days I always encouraged them to train at the Sand Dunes every morning and every afternoon,” he said.
“This was their daily routine before moving abroad.”
“I also urged them to attend church services and other religious activities because without God -we are nothing.
“They don’t take smoke and liquor, this, I believed really helped them with their rugby.
“But most importantly they are harvesting the seeds that was planted by my dad who was missionary.”
Ratuva Snr said his namesake son was a drummer in their church band and never misses any of their church services whilst in Fiji.
He said he kept reminding his sons the significance of serving the Almighty Lord to complement their rugby careers.
He added the family has rich rugby history and rugby was in their blood with some members of their extended family having represented the country while some have played overseas.
