Semi and Maiko. They left a permanent mark at Parra. They thrilled us and left unforgettable memories.
Semi came up from our juniors, and to me at least, was unheralded. But not for long as his talent shone from day one.
He scored try after try and displayed a footy brain not often seen before in a winger. He never seemed under pressure and always made the right decision in drawing and passing or going for it. I can still see him bringing the ball out of our red zone in all his majesty
But he was always homesick and chased the big money elsewhere and boy did we miss him.
Afterwood we took a chance and signed Maiko who soon was honoured and was given the Maiko chant for scoring in the corner! But he soon started to come out of the line in defence, mostly missing his man and a try ensued. Sometimes he was forced into this decision by our defence being caught short on his side, but still it was noted by other teams and they made sure they spun the ball out to his side at the end of the tackle count and scored multiple times. BA made note but made allowances because of his scoring record.Then Maiko displayed a lack of grunt and desire in bringing the ball off his line, and the writing was on the wall.
They're gone now, and no longer in our colours. But they're not forgotten. Christ they were excitement machines.
And perhaps an inspiration to future generations of Fijian and Islanders. We also have a young winger currently in Ball who, could, possibly one day achieve this level.
Replies
In my younger days Pops late 90s early 2000s we had a 7s team that used to travel upto Fiji and play village tournaments.Onething that struck me about Fijians is there wasn't an ounce of fat on them they could all run and everybody every type of body shape had ball skills.
There warm up touch footy games weren't 6 touch turn it over it was one touch and if you couldn't t use it you lose it.So when you watch them on TV throwing the ball every where Willy Nilly that's trained it's not made up like it looks the angles they run and every one pushes up on the ball in support is always there and they play with a joy that is very rarely seen between the lines.Ive said this before but there are a lot of Semi Radradra's up in Fiji I bet you if you ask Semi he'll say the same there's a god damn production line of talent like him just waiting for an opportunity.
I left there the first time we went up there in 99 thinking wow these guys and the way they played footy was just something I'd not experienced or seen.There's no pattern to it which mens it's a nightmare to play and coach against because everyone plays what they see and everyone pushes up on the ball no set plays it's just natural talent now here you defend it I mean at there best there untouchable in 7s.
Back to Semi watching him do some of the stuff he did for Parra just keep it in the mental Rolodex and smile because you probably won't see it again.
As always Poppa, i love your tribute to Semi....and he deserves it. what a star. That is an excellent idea to enlist him as a Ambassador and scout in his region. His profile as the Great that he was would be of untold benefit to our club. Relay that idea to the club and lets catch up in the area of enlistment. Haven't I always said you're a smart operator
There's not a lot to being a smart operator Richard, just remembering there is always someone smarter waiting around the corner.
In your case Richard you are "natures" gentleman and it takes a lot more work and patience than being smart LOL..... you have a bonus your pretty smart yourself.
Poppa you're a gent.
I remember that 100m try v souths in 2016 what a machine. Its funny whenever we unearth a talent they usually don't stay that long
I still think Semi is the best winger I've ever seen. He was the perfect mix of speed, power, and footy instincts, some of the stuff he pulled off was insane.
There's never been a more influential winger, the best I've seen too
Tell you what there's some talent running round outside back wise in Super Rugby right now that I think would be great league converts Leroy Carter Caleb Tungitau Leicester Fa'iangunuku Kyren Taumoefolau Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens all these guys pretty much have pacific island or Maori backgrounds all of them are very quick.
Good scouting Coryn, wouldn't you hope the club could be pro-active, just once, and go see these blokes in action
They'd have to wait till after the RWC but there's plenty there waiting to be plucked.
The key here is all of those mentioned guys came through the NZ rugby 7s program.
Much like the Fijian crew Semi Radradra and alike all play rugby 7s that's the common denominator that's an Avenue we should be scouting for outside backs.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next