Daddy's boy shifts allegiance

The Fiji Times - Thursday, October 08, 2009 4:25 PM

JALE Baleirara is surprised at the rapid rise of his son Kolinio Vunaki in provincial rugby.

He's quite taken back at the Naitasiri coach Joji Rinakama's confidence in his youngest son's performance that has seen Vunaki stamp his mark at first-five-eighth in the mighty Highlanders lineup.

Vunaki hails from Naduri, Nadroga has been Rinakama's outstanding player in this season’s Digicel cup fixtures.

"Only two years ago he was a student at QVS. Now he is making a name for himself. He has the ability to make it big in rugby but I was surprised when he made it to the Naitasiri senior squad."

Baleirara is a Sergeant of 3FIR in the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva.

"He has moved up the ranks very fast and I'm very proud of my son," he said.

Vunaki was a member of the winning QVS U19 team in the 2007 Deans competition. He was the instant school hero and scored the winning try plus the conversion which saw QVS lift the Dean trophy to Matavatucou.

Three weeks ago, he scored a personal tally of 19 points at Prince Charles Park when Naitasiri lifted the prestigious Farebrother-Sullivan trophy from Nadi.

A fortnight ago Vunaki was closely marked by Suva skipper and a close relative Dale Tonawai but He obsorbed the pressure and come out with flying colors.

Tomorrow against Nadroga, he will be marking the experienced Jiuta Lutumailagi in the number 10 jersey but Vunaki is unmoved knowing he has the support of his dad and close relatives from Naduri Village.

"I talked to him the other day assuring him that we're right behind him," Baleirara said.

The 20-year old FIT student is a specialized goal kicker and a good ball distributor with the ability to defend.

"I am a Nadroga rugby fan supporter but this year I have shifted my allegiance to Naitasiri because my youngest son is part of Naitasiri."

"Whatever the result I will be a happy man and the real winner should always be rugby."

Baleirara played for Yalovata Rugby Club in Naduri before joining the Army in the late 1970s.