Naitasiri’s fullback, Senijiale Qiokata, has successfully recovered from his injury and is ready to make his return in the vital Skipper Cup semi-final against Tailevu this Saturday. His comeback is a boost for the team following their impressive quarter-final victory over Ba, where they secured a 32-16 win. This positive news was confirmed by team manager Pena Qaia, who stated that Qiokata has been training hard and is keen to solidify his spot in the starting lineup.
At just 24 years old, Qiokata has made a name for himself this season, showcasing his versatility as both a fullback and a first-five. He has been concentrating on refining his kicking and passing skills in hopes of enhancing his performance beyond what he achieved in the quarter-finals. “My preparation has gone well, and I’m optimistic about being named in the team this week,” Qiokata commented, emphasizing his eagerness to help the team succeed.
The upcoming clash against Tailevu is expected to be fiercely competitive, particularly as Tailevu narrowly edged out Naitasiri in their previous encounter, winning 27-22. Qiokata is mindful of Tailevu’s Semisi Uluiviti, who has been performing exceptionally, especially in his kicking game. “We know he will bring his A-game again this week. We will also need to improve our discipline as we cannot afford to give him many opportunities during the game,” Qiokata noted, stressing the importance of maintaining discipline after a history of penalties in earlier matches.
The determination exhibited by Naitasiri in overcoming injury setbacks, coupled with their standout performance against Ba, instills hope among teammates and supporters alike. With Qiokata back on the field, Naitasiri’s goal of avenging their earlier defeat to Tailevu appears increasingly achievable. This pivotal match will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium, where Naitasiri looks to take another step towards Skipper Cup glory.
As excitement builds for this weekend’s encounter, dedicated fans are eager for a thrilling display of rugby that reflects the promising future of Naitasiri Rugby and the vibrant competitive spirit thriving in Fiji’s rugby scene. The atmosphere is set to be electric, ensuring this match will be a highlight of the Skipper Cup season.