World Footy News

AFL Fiji reports that the Fiji Power under 16s, resplendent in their Port Power supplied kit, have kicked off the Oceania Cup in Tonga in fine style with a narrow 8 pt win over Nauru. (4.2.26 def 3.0.18). In blustery conditions at the Tonga College Grounds, Nukualofa, Fiji kicked the first 3 goals of the game for a handy lead before Nauru rallied.

[youtube:2_Jrowled38]

The Fiji Power performed their traditional Cibi before the game. See photo here. More details on matches will follow.

Fiji Power scored some more local publicity a couple of days back, holding a farewell dinner at Vuci Road in Nausori. The Fiji times reported that Fiji departed optimistic of a better return than last year's winless debut.

Fiji is boosted with the services of 12 players that took part at last year's Oceania meet at the Cathedral Secondary School grounds.

Assistant coach Nemani Rokobuli stated "We have a very experienced side. Most of the players were part of the Oceania meet last year so we are hoping to improve and to bring the cup home. Last year was a learning experience for us and now we want to make amends in the code,"

AFL Fiji’s Facebook page reported that Friday last, the Fiji Power said their farewells to the president of Fiji before departing Monday for Tonga.

This continues a trend of the fledgling AFL national sides coming to the notice of their nation's leaders.

In further Fijian news, the FijiTimes ran a couple of lead in profile stories on young members of the squad.

Fiji Times Dec 10 reported on 16 year old Richard Niulevu, who wants to be the first professional AFL player in his family. He may well make it based on bloodlines - as his cousins, Sisa Koyamaibole, brothers Iliesa Keresoni and Kameli Ratuvou play professional rugby and have represented Fiji at international level.

Niulevu describes AFL as "...very exciting for me and it's the first sport that I played to come with that earnest desire. I love playing it and with my rugby skills I was able to adapt well in this new code,"

Fiji Times Dec 12 reported on the Power fullback, Jonathan Chongkit, who having played ‘locks’ for his U17 school rugby team has now discovered Australian Football.

"I love playing AFL because it combines all skills like footsteps, passing and kicking which makes you a better player," Chongkit said.

Coverage like this is superb in the lead up to the tournament; it is giving a local 'profile' to some of the lads representing their nation; including their back story and family sporting pedigrees helps to validate the game as a game of choice.