Five players from the Kaiviti Silktails are embarking on an exciting journey as they join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for pre-season training in Sydney. This move marks a significant milestone not only for the players but also for the Silktails organization and Fiji Rugby League.
Akuila Qoro, a prominent back-rower hailing from Naiviti in Yasawa, has made headlines with his signing of a two-year contract with the Bulldogs for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Qoro is not only making waves in the league but is also a member of the national team, the Fiji Bati. He will be joined by teammates Mika Senibua, honored as the Best Back, and Meli Wara, who received the title of Silktails Player of the Year. Both Senibua and Wara will be part of the Bulldogs’ New South Wales Cup team.
This latest development underscores the strengthening relationship between the Kaiviti Silktails and the Bulldogs, showcasing the Bulldogs’ commitment to fostering Fijian rugby talent. Their recent partnership with the Silktails aligns with their investment in the Fijian rugby community, particularly through the establishment of the Kikau Academy. This initiative has enabled the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg and Ron Massey Cup teams to visit Fiji multiple times over the past year.
The influx of talent extends beyond the senior squad, as younger players make their names in rugby. Jerry Ramasima, a former RKS student and son of ex-Fiji 7s representative Suli Ramasima, along with Samu Radovo from Kikau Academy and Nasinu Secondary School, is set to join the Bulldogs’ Under-19 SG Ball team.
This partnership not only creates pathways for these emerging athletes but also bolsters the opportunities for Fijian players to reach the National Rugby League (NRL). According to Phil Gould, the General Manager of Football at the Bulldogs, this collaboration is poised to significantly impact the advancement of rugby league in Fiji, driving the sport’s growth in the region.
With these developments, the future appears bright for the Kaiviti Silktails players making their mark in Sydney and for efforts aimed at elevating Fijian talent on the international rugby stage. The ongoing collaboration promises to pave the way for future successes in rugby for these talented athletes.