‘We’ll give it our all’ | Derenalagi upbeat about team

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi is adamant his teammates will give the Reds a good game today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

It is their last match in the regular season and Derenalagi said the players were all ready and looking forward to it.

“The boys are excited and emotional as it is our last home game for this season,” said the 24-year old Nawaka, Nadi lad.

“It’s a do-or-die game for us and we are trying to reach our target to get a spot in the top eight.

“The weather will not be an adherence to us, whether it be sunny or rainy, I know the boys will step up to the challenge and play our hearts out.”

The Drua and Reds previously clashed with the Australian side skimming through with a 27-24 win in round four. Derenalagi said that game was water under the bridge and they would work hard to claim victory today.

“The big task for us is to work on ourselves and what we can do to get points,” he said.

“We don’t want to overthink and over plan how the Reds will play.

“The focus is on us, on how we set the intensity and last week’s match against Moana Pasifika was a major learning. We will try not to replicate that against the Reds.

“We will play our hearts out to give our departing team mates a good send-off in our last home game for this season.”

He has urged fans to come out in numbers and support the players in their last home game for 2023.

“I urge all our fans to come out in numbers and support us here at the HFC Bank Stadium,” said Derenalagi.

“I know the weather is gloomy but I hope that won’t dampen your spirits to come and cheer us on. “Your support will really be valuable to us as we play for the last time at home.”