September 26, 2009
Kane Evans and Paul Rokolati tour with AFRL senior team for experience by Vuniwaqa Bola – Fiji Sun

He is only 17 years old and he is visiting the country with the Australian Fijians rugby league team.

The 17-year-old played rugby league since he was six, but he is not here to compete for a spot in the Vodafone Fiji Bati side.

Kane Evans, who has maternal connections to Tokatoka, Tailevu and to Vanuabalavu in Lau is here just to gain experience.

“My mum was born in Suva. My grandmother is from Nabiti, Tokatoka Tailevu and my grandfather is from Vanuabalavu in Lau,” Evans said.

Now attending Matraville Sports High in Sydney, young Evans said he has had a wonderful experience so far travelling with his older mates.

“It is a good experience as I have learned many new things from them.”

He watched the game between the locals and the Australian Fijians last Wednesday and rated it as a good physical game of rugby league.

“The local players were very tough.”

Now young Evans is setting his sight on donning a Fiji Bati jumper.

Naming Jarryd Haynes and Wes Naiqama as his idols, Evans said he had always been amazed at how the duo conducted themselves.

“To me they are good leaders and good role models.”

Meanwhile his school mate, Paul Rokolati who was born in Lautoka is also with the team to gain experience.

Rokolati moved to Australia when his family migrated in 2002.

The Nauluvatu, Nakelo, Tailevu native said the Fiji trip had become a real learning experience for him.

Rokolati plays rugby league in Australia.

Yesterday the duo thanked trainer, Steve Driscoll for helping them join the Australian Fijians tour to Fiji.