Joey Saukuru, the technical advisor for the Kaiviti Silktails, has highlighted the critical role of self-belief and consistency as essential components of the club’s development strategy for the upcoming challenging 26-round season.
In comments reflecting on the team’s mentoring approach, Saukuru acknowledged the unique challenges facing the Silktails this year. The squad consists of a mix of seasoned players returning to the field and a significant number of young recruits who will be experiencing a full-length competition for the first time.
“We’re going to emphasize self-belief and consistency. We have several players returning from last year, but we’ve also brought in many newcomers,” Saukuru stated. This season presents a fresh challenge for these young players, as few have ever had the opportunity to participate in such an extensive competition. Therefore, developing mental resilience is as important as physical preparation.
“A lot of these boys are experiencing 26 rounds of football for the first time. No other kids in Fiji are playing 26 rounds of rugby or rugby league,” he pointed out. This understanding drives the Silktails to focus on not only tactical and physical preparation but also on cultivating a robust belief in their abilities while maintaining high performance standards consistently throughout the season.
“As a group, consistency and self-belief are our primary focus,” Saukuru added. This dedication to mental fortitude and sustainable growth illustrates the Silktails’ mission to equip young athletes not just to compete but to endure and thrive during a full professional season.
As they approach the ninth week of pre-season training, the Silktails are eagerly anticipating a successful launch to their campaign. Their season opener is set for March 7 against the Panthers in Sydney, marking an exciting milestone in the club’s journey as Fiji’s leading rugby league pathway, with hopes of nurturing future talents.