In a historic preseason NRL showdown, the atmosphere at Churchill Park was electric, filled with a mix of local fans and international visitors who had come to witness this momentous match.
This event drew an unexpectedly large crowd, despite competing events like the Fijian Drua game against the Blues and the ongoing Vancouver 7s tournament.
Among the spectators were the Dass family, who had journeyed from Melbourne specifically for the match.
Alfred Smith, a local high school student and grassroots rugby player, expressed his thrill at witnessing an NRL game live for the first time.
“We always watch this game in the TV, finally we got to watch it here in Lautoka and cheer for our team Storm,” said Smith who came with a large group of boys.
Among the youngest attendees was 10-year-old Mau, who attended with his family, eager to see his hero, Tui Kamikamica of the Melbourne Storm, in action.
“I’m here with my Father and my Neighbor Eroni, this is my first time watching international rugby and I’m here to see Kamikamica,” he said with excitement.
The players, mindful of the high temperatures exceeding 30°C in Lautoka, took extended breaks at halftime, with some Storm players seeking refuge in the air-conditioned team bus to cool down.
As the match concluded, a wave of young fans surged towards the embankments, shouting the names of their favorite players. Tui Kamikamica, in particular, received an outpouring of adoration from the crowd.
“I was also a young boy shouting like that with so much energy,” said Kamikamica while signing rugby balls and t-shirts in the crowd.
The match not only united fans but also showed Fiji’s potential as a prime location for major sporting events in the future.
