Fijian world cup team visit Mayfield

Youth Training Night at Mayfield with the world cup Fijian team

Rochdale Mayfield held a special training session on Tuesday (4 October) at the club, with players from all age groups invited to attend and train alongside the Fiji Bati international squad.

Former Mayfield player Emon Ratu has close connections with the Fijian side and acted as co-ordinator to bring the squad to Mayfield. Still missing a few players who were delayed after featuring in the Aussie Grand Final, the Fijians arrived at a rainy Mayfield Sports Centre and were absolutely delighted to take part in the training session, involving around 150 children from 7 to 16 years of age.

The Fijians included many world famous names from the game of Rugby League including Kevin Naiqama of Sydney Roosters, Sunia Turuva of Penrith Panthers, Ben Nakubuwai currently at Leigh and Rochdale's own Joe {Taira} Qaniuci.

The whole squad looked like they were really enjoying the occasion and ended up staying beyond their allotted time. Mayfield chairman, Neil Ramsden, also attended and was ecstatic. He said: "There can't be many amateur clubs who have had a training session run by a visiting World Cup squad, in any sport. Our kids loved it especially the older age groups who number some of these players as their sporting heroes. To say it was a success is an understatement. It was a brilliant night and we can't thank the Fijians enough. We also owe a massive thanks to Emon who arranged the whole thing."

As well as the Fijian event, Mayfield are looking forward to the rugby league world cups, both the men's and the women's competitions.

Mayfield have an interest in three camps in the men's competition with St Helens' Matty Lees who learned the game at Mayfield under the tutelage of Marvin Connolly and Dean Hartley. Matty is in the England squad and has high hopes of featuring in the comp. Joe Taira, who spent many years at Mayfield and still remains a firm favourite has been included in the Fijjian training squad. The third connection being with Adam Vrahnos who will be featuring for the Greek side. Adam did a season with Mayfield in 2020 before moving to London with work.

Head of Women and Girls at Mayfield, Victoria Molyneux is also involved with the England squad in the ladies world cup; Vicky currently plays for Wigan Warriors where she is a strong running loose forward or second row.