Gundagai First Grade has bolstered their playing stocks with the addition of Tevita Vukicea. He is already in Gundagai and has been training with the side for the last couple of weeks.
Tigers Coach Aaron Gorrell said, “He came from Sydney and played in the Silktails Jersey Flegg last year. The Silktails are a Fijian side.
“As an outsider looking in I thought if there was one place that needed a strengthen it was probably our middle and we are trying to sort that and we should have a few more arrive in the next few weeks.
“He’s physical, has a strong carry and a good motor, so he should get through plenty of minutes for us.
“He’s really great. He’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He lived with me for just on a week and he was great to have around, he will be great for the club and everyone that has had anything to do with him so far have loved him and I think he has been a great addition for us.
“He’s living in Gundagai now. He’s out there working with a couple of the boys and getting to know everybody.
“Most of the blokes from First Grade last year have been flying. Derek Hay has been leading the way, he’s been great.
“Wilson Hamblin has been at the front of the pack. Tyrone Gorman and Will Herring have all been great, including Joel Field.
“They are leading by example which you need as a club. You need the senior players leading the way and give the younger ones something to achieve by setting the standards.
“We train Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.”
With Gorrell’s experience over the last two decades at senior football it is his expectation to have the side as fit as possible as it gets them through part of the season.
“I agree, 100%. This is when you get fit and once you start playing it’s too hard to try and get fit. It’s staying healthy and maintaining what you’ve got.
“We will be training pretty hard leading up to the season, and within reason we are going to try and be as fit as we can.
“It goes a long way in country rugby league and you can substitute for other stuff.
“We have a good crew there that are willing to train hard and that makes my job very easy.
“I’ve enjoyed working with them so far and keep improving and getting fitter and we will keep moving forward.”
Tevita was born in Suva, Fiji in February 2004 and his Junior Club was QVS Knights. He plays at lock and is 5’9.
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