Because Sivo sickness is so widespread in Papua New Guinea, authorities had to hide him in a house across from the Hohola Flies field while his Bati teammates held a coaching clinic to make sure they could keep things under control.
When Sivo’s presence was announced at the conclusion of the practise, supporters flocked outside to catch a sight of the Fijian superstar and began shouting his name as soon as the players made their way back inside.
Fans raced to catch a glimpse of Sivo when the announcement of his presence was made at the end of the session. Students from the school next door approached the fence that overlooked the courtyard where the Fiji players were now assembled, and they also started chanting “Sivo, Sivo” as soon as they saw the 30-year-old.
“I don’t think Sivo can go out there now, it is a bit too packed there at the moment,” Blake stated. “Everywhere we walk, people are just yelling “Sivo.” They begin the Sivo chant as soon as they spot him. I believed I had returned to CommBank.”
When the crew got back to the house, they went outside and started screaming the name of the Fijian hero.
At the school coaching clinic, which drew over 2000 spectators to watch the Fijian squad face the Kumuls on Sunday at Santos National Football Stadium, Blake was taken aback to hear that fans were also shouting his name.
Prior to the lesson, the children sang “Happy Birthday” to the Parramatta centre, which is celebrating its 29th birthday, on the hard-packed dirt field where the local grand finals will take place on Sunday.
Blake remarked, “I have never seen anything like it before.” As an NRL player, you hear all kinds of things, but I was shocked to learn that many of them knew my name and even sung me a happy birthday.
We recently experienced a major flood due to the enormous popularity of rugby league in this nation. I wouldn’t enjoy seeing something similar occur in Fiji. It only goes to prove that PNG is deserving of an NRL team.
Fijian coach Wise Kativerata met Kevin Aribi, a player and student from Hohola who attended the Bati academy in Suva, and decided to host the coaching clinic.
“Everyone in Papua New Guinea is aware of Kevin’s expertise about the NRL and his familiarity with all the Fiji Bati players,” Kativerata stated.
Kevin had asked the Fiji Bati to pay him a visit, and he spent three weeks staying at my house. What rugby league can accomplish for people is truly remarkable.
After speaking with the youngsters on the value of eating healthily, drinking water, and leading a healthy lifestyle, the players went to a section that was roped off and conducted coaching drills with the help of NRL PNG personnel.
As the Bati stars joined Sivo in Kevin’s family home, thousands of fans stood outside the rope, beckoning the players over for pictures and autographs. Despite this, order was maintained until the end of the session.
Kevin’s sister Ali, who served as the event MC, remarked, “It is a dream come true for all the students and all the kids, and for us adults too.”
“Kevin had the honour of attending the Fiji Bati Academy in Suva, Fiji, for three weeks. We have brought the Bati to the people of Hohola by means of the connection and relationship we have nurtured across the Pacific Ocean.
“We are extremely grateful for that.” We’ve never had this opportunity before, and hearing the players talk about the significance of water, diet, and health is inspiring.
“Observing the players happy will instill a strong sense of confidence in the children.”
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