FIJI A RUGBY LEAGUE NEWSLETTER VOL
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WELCOME ABOARD MR JOHN GROOM
The Fiji A Rugby League are pleased to announce a new treasurer for season 2006, Mr. John Groom. John was a member of the Fiji A Rugby League tour party to Fiji last October and is the father of rising Manly Sea Eagles star, Aaron.
Fiji A Rugby League believe John will do a great job as treasurer and his passion for Fiji and Rugby League are evident. On behalf of all the board members, players, parents and supporters, Welcome aboard!

NI SA BULA
The 14 man touring Fiji Bati squad will be arriving into Sydney, Monday 23rd of January. The squad consists of 12 players and 2 officials.
They are: Semesa Cadrikilagi, Iowane Divavesi, Marika Korovue, Neori Kurumalawai, Aminiasi Marau, Apisai Masikerei, Epi Naioko, Asaeli Saravaki, Josaia Tadulala, Semisi Tora, Meli Vosuqa, Jone Wesele, Jo Rabele (Coach) and Rusi Ratakele (Manager).
The Fiji A Rugby League will be billeting the Fiji Bati until both squads depart for Coffs Harbour, Wednesday 25th of January.

BIG MONTH AHEAD
February will be a very busy month for the Fiji A side. Fresh from competing at the Orara Valley 7?s, Fiji A will also be competing at the St.Mary?s and Wollongong 7?s.
The St.Mary?s 7?s will be held at Western Weekender Stadium, St.Mary?s on the 11th of February with $3000 AUD up for grabs.
The Wollongong 7?s will be held a week later on the 18th of February with also $3000 AUD first prize. Good luck boys!

FIJI TOUR MOST LIKELY TO GO AHEAD
Fiji A have discussed the possibility of committing to another 2 match tour of Fiji, following the success of the 2005 tour. The 2005 tour which departed in October saw Fiji A defeat a Fiji Chairman?s XIII 18-0 in Suva and narrowly lose to the Fiji residents 14-22 in Nausori.
All officials, players and parents who toured had a ball of a time, with everyone bonding closer as the tour went on. Those who hardly knew each other at the start of the tour walked away best mates by the end. That?s what sports all about and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. Everyone behaved admirably and did a great job of promoting Rugby League in Fiji.

ST.MARY?S 7?S
Fiji A have drawn a tough pool at the 2006 Carlton Mid Strength (St.Mary?s 7?s). Fiji A have drawn Pool 4 alongside American Samoa and the NZ Maori?s. Fiji A will be playing American Samoa at 1.20pm and against NZ Maori at 4pm with finals starting at 5.10pm. The 7?s will be played at Western Weekender Stadium, St.Mary?s on February 11th.

FIJI BATI VS NZ MAORI
Fiji Bati will face tough opposition when they come up against the NZ Maori, Thursday 26th of January. The match will be played at 7.30pm at Coffs Harbour International Stadium as part of the Orara Valley Axemen Big Week of League.
Other matches on the day include:
1.30pm Coast & Valley All Stars U/19?s Vs Cook Islands U/19?s
2.45pm Japan Vs USA
4.30pm Coast & Valley All Stars Vs Cook Islands
6.50pm (Exhibition 7?s) North Sydney Bears Old Boys Vs St.George Dragons Old Boys
7.30pm Fiji Bati Vs NZ Maori
It is only $10 entry to watch all 4 Australia Day fixtures. Very good value!
The makeup of the Fiji Bati side will see 9 Fiji based player?s partner up with 8 Australian based Fijians in what will be a very competitive outfit.

ORARA VALLEY 7?S
Fiji A have drawn a tough pool in the 2006 Orara Valley 7?s. Fiji A will join Lebanon (2005 winners), Guyra Superspuds and Leichhardt Wanderers in pool D of the competition. Fiji A management has no complaints with the draw. ?Doesn?t matter who we play against, we have the team to beat anyone? said Ken Koroi the Fiji A president.
Fiji Bati has been drawn into pool B. They will join Hoey Moey, Sydney Renown United and the Sawtell Panthers. 3 Australian based players will get drafted into the Bati side as 15 players can be utilized throughout the tournament.
The 2006 Orara Valley 7?s which will feature 36 teams will be held at Coramba Sportsground, 28th & 29th of January. Coramba Sportsground is located 25 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour. The winner of the 7?s will take home a handsome $10,000 AUD.

PLAYER WATCH
This month?s player to watch is Namila Davui. Namila has joined the Canterbury Bulldogs for season 2006 after having previously spent time at the North Sydney Bears and the Parramatta Eels.
The Lautoka born and Ra native moved to Rockhampton in North Queensland as a youngster and 2006 will hopefully be the year Namila cracks into first grade with the Bulldogs.
Namila represented Fiji A against Malta and also at the Oceanic Pacifica Tournament in 2004. Remember this name as he is definitely a star of the future!

SPONSORS
Fiji A would like to thank our major sponsor PB Sports Management and associate sponsor Pacifika Lounge. Without sponsors Fiji A would not be able to operate as effectively. We take this opportunity to thank our 2006 sponsors.
If you would like to sponsor Fiji A please email us at fijiarl@hotmail.com

SPREAD THE WORD
We hope you enjoyed the first Fiji A monthly newsletter. Please spread the word and let all your friends and relatives who may be interested in receiving this free monthly newsletter to email fijiarl@hotmail.com with subscribe as the subject.

Regards,
Phill Browne, Fiji A.

Pic: Frank Waqa gets tackled by 2 Fiji Chairman?s XIII defenders in Suva. Photo: Fiji Times