Joey Saukuru, the technical advisor for the Kaiviti Silktails, has emphasized the importance of self-belief and consistency as fundamental elements in the club’s development strategy for the upcoming rigorous 26-round season.
In discussing the mentoring approach the team is undertaking, Saukuru recognizes the unique challenge posed to the Silktails, combining the experience of returning players with a significant number of young recruits who will be navigating a full-length competition for the very first time.
“We’re going to be big on self-belief and consistency. We’ve got a few backing up from last year, but we’ve also brought in a number of young ones,” Saukuru stated. For many of these newcomers, this season will be an entirely new experience. He noted that no other young players in Fiji have the chance to endure the demanding nature of a 26-round rugby league competition, making mental resilience just as critical as physical training.
“A lot of these boys are experiencing 26 rounds of football for the first time. No other kid in Fiji is playing 26 rounds of rugby or rugby league,” he explained. Recognizing this, the Silktails are prioritizing not just tactical and physical preparation, but also fostering a strong sense of belief in their own abilities and maintaining high performance standards week after week.
“As a group, consistency and self-belief are our biggest focus,” Saukuru added. This commitment to mental strength and sustainable growth demonstrates the Silktails’ broader mission to prepare young athletes, enabling them not just to compete effectively but to endure and excel throughout a full professional season.
As they enter their 9th week of pre-season preparations, the Silktails are setting their sights on a successful start. They are scheduled to open their season on the 7th of March against the Panthers in Sydney, marking an exciting chapter in their ongoing development as Fiji’s premier rugby league pathway.