Waisale Sukanaveita Made the Right Choice

World Cup bound Fijian utility player Waisale Sukanaveita reckons he got his priorities in order when he chose Rugby League as his football “poison.”

“I am very pleased I chose Rugby League ahead of Soccer and Rugby Union as it has given me the chance to represent my country,” he said.

“I started playing Rugby League when I was 14 but then switched back to Rugby Union when I was at secondary school.

“But I returned to Rugby League because I preferred the physical side of the game.”

Sukanaveita is hoping the World Cup will be played in “Indian Summer” conditions.

“I was very cold at the World Cup launch in Leeds late last year,” he said. “It was icy and I spent most of the time inside the hotel.”

The World Cup has already captured the imagination of the Fijian nation and Sukanaveita has no doubt the home grown talent has the potential to win their pool.

Fiji played Scotland and France in their pool games and Sukanaveita entertains little or no doubt that both those teams are within range.

Sukanaveita said, like other emerging nations, Fiji would turn on huge celebrations if they won the World Cup.

“It would be a public holiday, for sure,” he said.

Should Fiji win through to the semi-finals they could well play defending champions, Australia.

That’s when Sukanaveita would realise a dream come true.

“I would get the chance to play against Darren Lockyer whose skills are so brilliant,” he said.

“I am a huge fan of Darren Lockyer from the Brisbane Broncos. He is so efficient and just plays good Rugby League.”

by Geoff Prenter

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