Fiji Pearls duo Ema Mualuvu and Unaisi Rauluni flew into Queensland on Friday after signing with the Northern Mendi Rays ahead of the 2022 HART Sapphire Series.
The exciting internationals will not only take the court for the Rays, but they will also be fully immersed in the club’s high-performing training environment as they look to develop.
This experience is part of the PacificAus Sports Netball program, which is made possible by the Australian Government (DFAT) and Netball Australia.
Netball Queensland will again partner with the Northern Mendi Rays in 2022 which will see Ema and Unaisi based in Townsville for the next six months.
“It was wonderful to see emerging athletes from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea all nominated to be part of the program this year,” General Manager of Queensland Firebirds and Elite Pathways, Demelza Fellowes said.
“The Rays selected two exceptional athletes in Ema and Unaisi and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the HART Sapphire Series this year.
“COVID provided some significant disruptions to our sport last year and we’re really excited that the program can be achieved in its full intended delivery, seeing significant immersion for these athletes within the Rays program this year.
“We are also super excited that we can look at other short- or long-term immersion opportunities for further athletes from the Pacific to join the program, as well as further developments in the coach immersion space.”
Mualuvu and Rauluni were selected for the Athlete Immersion Program ahead of a high calibre field of 15 challenging athletes.
The pair, who are gearing up to take part in the Rays’ first squad training camp, said they were thrilled to be joining their new teammates.
“We are so excited and most looking forward to meet the Mendi Rays team,” Mualuvu said.
“And can't wait to take part and learn from the program that will take place in Townsville.”
In a Netball Fiji statement, Fiji Pearls head coach Unaisi Rokoura said she was confident the two athletes would return to the national squad better for the experience.
“This is a great opportunity for our two squad members to fine tune their craft in a different setting and to learn new skills,” she said.
“We will have the opportunity to reconnect with them in March and I cannot wait to see what they bring to our training and playing environment.”
