Fiji out to defend title

By HENRY MORABANG
DEFENDING Pacific Netball Series (PNS) champions, Fiji, will take nothing for granted when the series starts tomorrow at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex in Port Moresby. 
Fiji captain Matila Waqanidrola said this upon arrival in Port Moresby yesterday with her team to face Samoa, the Cook Islands and hosts PNG in the week-long tournament.
She said it would be a big challenge for her team.
When asked who were Fiji’s biggest threats, the 2007 Fiji female athlete of the year, Waqanidrola  said they all were.
Waqanidrola will be playing her second PNS this year and will be assisted by Seruwaia Vonalagi.
Elenoa Vatureba, Afa Rusivakakula and Makelesi Mulivolo will make their international debut while overseas representatives Mere Rabuka and Simone Nalatu make their return for Fiji.
Waqanidrola also noted that the PNG Pepes would be hard to beat on home court.
Fiji co-coach Gabby Qoro said they would treat each game on their merits.
The most important mission for Fiji in this week’s series is to retain the title.
He said it would be a good tournament with a lot of surprises.
Fiji will meet Samoa in the opening match tomorrow while the Cook Islands takes on PNG.
Fiji was the last team to arrive yesterday afternoon while Samoa arrived earlier in the day.
The Cook Islands arrived last Thursday.
PNG Netball Federation president Julianne Maliaki said all preparations complete for the tournament.
With the support of the event organisers Right Connection, the series should attract good local crowds when PNG play.
The draws for this week:Tuesday, 3pm – Fiji vs Samoa, 5pm – the Cook Island vs PNG
Wednesday, 3pm –  Samoa vs PNG, 5pm – Fiji vs the Cook Islands
Thursday, 3pm – Samoa vs the Cook Islands 5pm – Fiji vs PNG.