We have yet to confirm the services of Fijian Drua players Sikeli Rabitu and Fredrick Ralulu for this week’s challenge, said Lautoka rugby head coach Peniona Ranitu.

He hopes his team will continue their consistent performance in their first match of the INKK Farebrother Challenge against Nadi.

This comes after the Maroons side qualified for the Skipper Cup competition quarterfinals and defeated Nadroga 10–5 prior to the Farebrother Challenge competition.

“We’re thankful to God for bringing us this far in our first year for Skipper Cup competition after so many years,” he said.

“We have been working hard during the off-season and we’re preparing for a good game.”

Ranitu said Lautoka flanker Raikabuli Moemoedonu will miss out in the match against Nadi due to injury.

“We hope to bring in other players to fill in the gaps,” he said.

“We will need to improve on our defense and our set piece has been effective.”

Ranitu said they will also need to contest the lineouts and scrums to win possession against Nadi.

“Our faith and team bond has been our biggest strength especially in our development phase with the senior players leading the front in maintaining it,” he said.

Ranitu said they would have to control the game at their own pace in order to survive the Nadi onslaught.

“We have achieved our aim which is to book a Skipper Cup quarterfinal spot and being in the Farebrother Challenge is a bonus for us,” he said.

“The motivation for this team is to play for their family, vanua and have pride for the Maroon Jersey.”

Ranitu said they will need to stick to their game plan with hope of divine intervention.

He also encouraged supporters to come in numbers to cheer them on.

“We like to thank everyone for the year; it has not been easy as we hope to do well this week and stamp our mark in the Farebrother Challenge,” Ranitu said.

The Farebrother match between Nadi and Lautoka will take place in Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka this Saturday at 3pm.

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