Ra High School, the defending champions of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) competition, are primed to begin their quest to retain the U19 title, rallying around their inspiring motto, “With God, everything is possible.” Last year, this relatively unknown school made headlines with a remarkable underdog story, dethroning well-established rugby giants and securing their place at the top of high school rugby.
As the season kicks off this weekend, team captain Penasio Waqa Tematema acknowledges the significant challenges that lie ahead. He reflects on the tough path of preparation, which, despite facing hurdles such as limited resources and a demanding training schedule, has fostered a strong resolve among the players. “As defending champions, our preparation back at school has been in full force,” Tematema shared, expressing the team’s unwavering determination to defend their title despite various obstacles.
The grueling training regimen has not been without its struggles, with some players facing moments of doubt and contemplating quitting. However, the team’s spirit remains unshaken, bolstered by their guiding motto. Tematema highlights this resilience, saying, “We reminded them of our motto, ‘With God, all things are possible,’ which convinced them to keep going.”
While many core players from the victorious squad return this season, the team recognizes that the competition will be tougher, with every rival eager to usurp their title. Tematema emphasizes the importance of respecting all opponents, stating, “We won’t underestimate or look down on any of our opponents. All teams coming in know the game, and we will give all opponents our best efforts.”
As they embark on their title defense today, Tematema exudes confidence, drawing strength and inspiration from their faith and the hard work they’ve put in. “With the hard yards done and the Lord on our side, on the field, we will do what we, the Ra people, do best—that is ‘Mae na Mae’ (no matter what, we will pursue our cause),” he declared.
This season promises to be an exciting chapter in the FSSRL landscape, as Ra High School aims to build on their past triumphs and inspire their community with their tenacity and perseverance.