Rugby League Secures Medals

Team Fiji secured a Silver medal in Rugby League 9s Men's and a Bronze by the Rugby League Women's team at the 2023 Pacific Games held in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The women's team displayed a courageous defensive effort against a much bigger and experienced Samoa side denying them any opportunity to cross their try line finally winning by a lone try 4 - 0.

Fiji Women's Rugby League 9s Captain Salote Suka said she was proud of the effort by her teammates.

"For all of us this is our first Pacific Games and for most of us it is our first game outside of Fiji," she said.

"We didn't have much possession but I am proud of our efforts and to come back with a medal is fantastic for us."

Fiji Women's Rugby League 9s Coach Asaeli Saravaki said despite losing to Tonga and Cook Islands, he was proud of the efforts shown by his young squad.

"The girls knew it would be tough to come away from this competition with a medal, but I'm proud that they gave their all in every match we played," he said.

"And to come away with a medal is an added bonus for us."

Meanwhile, the men's team fought hard but according to Team Fiji Rugby League 9's Mens Coach Vulaono Dakuitoga ill discipline and having the wrong mindset cost them the game, losing 8-0.

"As a team we prepared well, but unfortunately we did not come away with a win and I congratulate Samoa for taking their chances," he said.

Coach Vulaono said the team had their opportunities but could not capitalise on them.

Captain Rusiate Ratukana said as a team, they were disappointed as they had come into the competition hoping to defend their status as Pacific Games Champions.

"But congratulations to Samoa for the game and giving us a good, hard fight," he said.

"We had our opportunities but Samoa showed a lot of heart when defending and our young team will learn from this Games and hopefully be ready to win back that title at the next Games."