“My dad has always pushed me to do things to the best of my ability. I’ve always admired Semi Radradra because of his humble beginnings before he became a household name for the sport.
Lemeki Radovu (right) signs his North Queensland Cowboys academy contract at the Fiji National Rugby League headquarters in Suva on September 6, 2023. On the left is Cowboys recruitment manager Dane Campbell. Photo: Sereana Salalo
Signing up with the North Queensland Cowboys academy, at 17 is definitely divine intervention.
The Assemblies of God High School Year 12 student Lemeki Salabogi Radovu testified this when he inked a three-year contract at the Fiji National Rugby League headquarters in Suva with his parents at his side.
The Nakorosule, Naitasiri native leaves in December; he will join Eparama Kikau and Aisake Manna at the Cowboys academy.
Radovu was part of the AOG rugby league team from Under-16 to U18, Nadera panthers U19 side and also part of the FNRL South East Junior Bati Academy.
He was scouted by Fiji Bati head coach Waisea Kativerata to be part of the academy, however he was not at school on the day coach came to see him.
For Kativerata, if a student was not at school on the day he does not return for the second time but Radovu was an exception.
“When I first heard that coach Wise came, I prayed about it,” Radavu said.
“He did not return sooner. I went for our youth church camp after that week; I prayed and fasted about it. I did not know that he would return to take me on board.
“This contract is a surprise, but I know this is God’s plan for me.”
The second row shares maternal links to Lovoni, Ono-i-Lau.
As a young boy, Radovu set his goal to be enlisted either in the British Army or Fiji Police Force.
“I did not know that I had the talent to play rugby league,” he said.
“My dad has always pushed me to do things to the best of my ability. I’ve always admired Semi Radradra because of his humble beginnings before he became a household name for the sport.
“I will trust God’s plan from here, wherever He takes me to.”
Lemeki Radovu (right) signs his North Queensland Cowboys academy contract at the Fiji National Rugby League headquarters in Suva on September 6, 2023. On the left is Cowboys recruitment manager Dane Campbell. Photo: Sereana Salalo
His father, Sakaraia Radovu said: “In fact, we weren’t expecting this. We wanted him to stay close to us.
“But since God has presented this opportunity we trust that He will guide Lemeki.”
His parents had earlier banned him from playing rugby league after learning he was not playing in his age group but for the Nadera Panthers U19.
“We met Wise (Kativerata) it was then that we knew that Lemeki had the potential, we thank God .
“It’s overwhelming – we can’t express it in words,” Radovu senior added.
Cowboys’ manager recruitment Dane Campbell said Radovu’s physique and determination stood out.
“I was impressed by the young boys’ attentiveness and dedication,” Campbell said.
“This three year deal is an opportunity for him to continue developing his skills, by the end of this he becomes an NRL player.
Kativerata added: “I first saw him in the first week during the schoolboys’ carnival, then went across to the school on a Monday afternoon; Lemeki was not there.
“After months or so I told Asaeli Saravaki that I need to go back and see that kid again, and he said “you’ve never done that in your whole life.”
“I went back and requested to see his dad. Lemeki never missed training. He listens; his awareness of rugby league is the best so far that I’ve seen and he’s willing to learn.”
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj