Fiji players set to shine after stint down under

By Phina Newton 

After being named reserves for their country’s national netball team, the Fiji Pearls, Reama Verekauta and Avelina Navue started to lose hope about their future in the sport. That was until they got the offer to travel to Australia for a development opportunity too good to refuse.  

The two, with a sister-like bond, attended primary and high school together, their friendship blossoming when they both joined the Fiji Pearls squad. 

Considering Australia’s vast resources and proven success in netball, the Australian government initiated a program, starting in 2021, to assist our friends in the Pacific. 

The Fijian pair are participants of the PacificAus Sports Immersion Program, where the objective is to create pathways for emerging Pacific athletes to benefit from high performance coaching and training. Through this program, Netball Australia and their partners aim to build linkages between Australia and the Pacific organisations and promote netball excellence in the region. 

Whilst the Fiji Pearls’ Netball World Cup campaign may have ended, Verekauta and Navue’s immersive adventure is just heating up. The pair have joined the IMB South Coast Blaze for a six-week period in which they will be exposed to all the high-performance opportunities the New South Wales based club has to offer. 

Whether it be on-court coaching or strength and conditioning off court, both girls are being pushed to their limits. The program has provided them with the chance to learn from former Sydney Swift, Kim Gilmour, who is part of the coaching staff at the Blaze. 

“She nitpicks every little thing and pulls us up on it in the moment rather than later, so we can change what we are doing immediately,” Verekauta and Navue said.  

“Our coach back home only has two eyes; she can’t watch everyone all the time.” 

Verekauta knew they were improving when she noticed a difference in Navue’s game. 

“Avelina only ever passes with two hands, but now when she’s feeling confident, I see her passing with one hand,” Verekauta said.  

Marji Parr, South Coast Blaze Open’s Head Coach and former Fijian International player, has provided a safe space for Verekauta and Navue to learn and grow, acting as their connection to back home. 

Through this program, Verekauta said not only have they gained a better understanding of what is best for their bodies and overall performance but have also benefited from the extra set of eyes and high standard of coaching. 

“I feel like we have a lot to take home, a lot of knowledge from Marj and the specialist coaches,” she said.  

“I feel like we are just gonna go home and be so excited to share with the girls what we have learned from this program." 

Navue agreed with Verekauta, saying it’s not just the on-court activities the girls will cherish from the experience.  

“Younger me wouldn’t believe that I have friends from all over the world.  

“I think it’s amazing to know other people, not just from your country but everywhere. It’s nice to learn their culture and not just ours – the friendships have deeper meanings." 

Whilst they build their netball knowledge and form friendships in Australia, Verekauta and Navue’s Pearls friends and teammates have been competing on the other side of the world in Cape Town, South Africa.  

Fiji made its Netball World Cup debut at the 1975 World Championships and had their highest finish at sixth at the 1999 World Championships. The trajectory of Fiji’s success has declined since then, landing in 14th at the previous World Cup in 2019. Until now, with the Fiji Pearls finishing 11th at this year’s event in Cape Town. 

Pacific Island countries are traditionally far from the top of the table when it comes to national netball rankings. The other Pacific Island nation to feature at this year’s World Cup, Tonga has also been improving their ranking in recent years and is further ahead than Fiji in terms of development.  

The pattern is changing though, considering how close the game was during their second-round match up at the World Cup. 

The two girls were disappointed to have missed out on final team selection but were still cheering for the Pearls and have already noticed improvements in the side at this World Cup. 

“You can see the difference; the bond is there,” Verekauta said.  

“The two coaches (Cathy Fellows and Yvette McCausland-Durie), have really helped.” 

Navue agreed. 

“When we beat Zimbabwe, it was emotional because we always lose those games. Overall, I'm proud of them,” she said. 

Family is a huge part of Fijian culture, and this is no different in the Pearls squad. The pair were in regular contact with the team at the World Cup. Despite being in the same team, Verekauta still feels giddy and surprised when renowned Pearls player Unaisi Rauluni gives her a call.  

“I’m the only girl in my family – she gives me that spirit, like I have a big sister. Sometimes I think to myself, she’s a star and she’s my big sister.” 

Now they are here in Australia, enjoying a once in a lifetime experience together. On reflection, Navue became emotional.  

“My favourite part has been training here with Ama (Reama Verekauta),” she said. 

“I think I am more thankful to be here, than at the World Cup.” says Verekauta. 

It is even more special for Navue, considering she almost gave up netball due to being named as a reserve, combined with the duties she carries in her family. 

“Being the eldest in the family, there’s a responsibility, I must help my parents and my siblings.” 

There may come a time when work will have to be the priority, but the Immersion Program has reignited Navue’s passion and drive. 

“The thought of not making the World Cup team, doesn’t even bother me now. All that I think about is how we are going to go home and show them what we’ve learnt here.”