Twins play hardball

By Danielle Galvin
RUGBY players and twins Melvin and Paula Fifita will represent Victoria in the National Under-15 Championships in Perth later this month.
The 14-year-old Narre Warren boys have been selected to play in the 20-man squad for the rugby championships.
They moved to Australia from New Zealand late last year with their parents, Seini and Leke, and their four siblings. Originally from Tonga, Seini and Leke are proud of how far the boys have come.
“When we first came to Australia, I was worried about uprooting the family. But as soon as we got here, my children tell me that they are glad that we came,” Mum Seini says of the big move.
Melvin and Paula have been playing rugby from a very young age.
City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes says the boys come from an athletic and supportive family.
“The fact that the boys are so young is obviously very impressive, but it’s also important to say that they have focussed all of their energy on achieving their goals and dreams,” she says.
While the boys are modest about their achievement, they are excited to spend a week in Perth, competing against the other states.
They are eager to take home a win.
“We want to thank the Church of Latter Day Saints in Narre Warren North, for helping us to focus on what’s important. But we reckon we have a good chance of winning,” Melvin says.
Cr Balmes says she is impressed that the boys know what they want and go after it.
“What impresses me about Melvin and Paula is that they are not only stars on the playing field, but hold very high standards off it. These humble boys are friendly, polite and generous. I have no doubt that they will represent not only Victoria but Casey beautifully,” she said.
The twins, who attend Narre Warren scondary, were told they had been selected earlier this year. The challenge for the Fifita family is that each player must pay $950 to go to Perth.
“Where this might be difficult for a lot of families, the Fifita’s have two sons so naturally they have to find double the funds. We’re hoping that there may be a local business or two who might consider sponsoring the twins,” Cr Balmes said.
Melvin and Paula come from a family of rugby players, and it’s clear the boys have every intention of taking their dream to the NRL.