Lau side aims to expose 7s players

The Cooling Down Lau Brothers 7s team has one mission and that is to expose its players so that they can be selected into the national side.

The side will participate in the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s today and is in Pool 3 with Police Blue, Wallis and Futuna, and Gaunavou Nadi.

Team technical adviser Ialai Nameke said apart from playing to get the top prizemoney, the players from Lau settlement near Nausori Village in Nalawa, Ra have something in common — a wish to one day wear the white jumper.

“We are all farmers and these players have been training and winning tournaments in the area, but we want to test them in big tournaments,” he said.

“These players have sacrificed a lot to be part of the Nawaka 7s tournament and I know they will put their bodies on the line to stand out during the two-day tournament.”

He said the team’s mission had been fruitful with one of its player — Paula Vueti — who had joined the Uluinakau club is reportedly being eyed to join the national training squad.

“It’s a huge testament to the team as it will also boost the morale of the players to give their best this weekend,” Nameke said.

The 36th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s will be held at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.