Tutuvili adapts quickly to Rugby League

Kaiviti Silktails player Viliame Tutuvili has easily adapted to Rugby League after making the switch from Rugby Union where he represented Nadroga in the local competitions.

 

And his transition has been more exciting and interesting as he has moved from playing second row to wing, and has done this with ease.

 

 "I played flanker in the forwards in rugby," Tutuvili told NSWRL.com.

 

"Maybe my speed from chasing my brothers at home has got me onto the wing."

 

"I also used to run the 400-metre races a lot at school athletics."

 

Sydney Roosters – the partnership NRL club of the Fiji Kava Kaiviti Silktails have sighted the 21-year-old's ball skills in hand alongside his acceleration through the smallest of gaps.

 

Tutuvili not looking far ahead yet in his Rugby League career was the reason he declined the offer to join the Roosters Jersey Flegg squad training.

 

"I just enjoyed the game today – I felt like there was a lot of improvement from our last game," Tutuvili said.

 

"We worked hard for that win and it means a lot to us."

 

"I play for my family back home. My mother and father are always telling to work hard and play hard. I'm trying to do that."

 

The Nadi-man also revealed that Silktails pastor Akei Nainoca was the helping hand in engaging Tutuvili to Rugby League; while Nainoca coached Nadroga back in the days.

 

"He's got that speed and he showed that in rugby too," Nainoca said.

 

"But I'm grateful he made a quick transition into league and into the backline.

 

"He's well-known in rugby union for setting up tries. He learned in Rugby Sevens how to get his offload going – that is something he's always been good at."

 

"He's got the talent and personality to want to keep learning and keep improving."

 

"He wants to build on what he's started here with Rugby League."

 

"He's testament to what you can do in Rugby League even with a rugby background. Some of his friends are texting and chatting with him – they want to come over to Australia and try Rugby League," Naincoa added. 

 

By Romeka Romena