Taina Basiyalo 
Nadroga captain Manueli Ratuniyarawa.
Nadroga captain Manueli Ratuniyarawa says years of hard work and belief have finally paid off after guiding the Stallions to the 2026 Skipper Cup title with a hard-fought 24-22 victory over Nadi at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The narrow win was a fitting reward for a Nadroga side that had set its sights on reclaiming the prestigious title this season, showing composure and determination when the pressure was at its highest.
Ratuniyarawa says the achievement means a lot to the team, especially after a challenging season and the long wait to get their hands on the trophy again.
“It’s been a long time coming for us. We had a goal this year to win the Cup, and we’ve accomplished that goal. It means so much to us,” Ratuniyarawa said.
With Nadi pushing hard until the final whistle, the Nadroga skipper says staying composed and trusting one another were key to getting across the line.
He says the message among the players was simple: believe in each other, remain focused and keep working until the final whistle.
Ratuniyarawa also believes the team’s success is a reflection of the young talent coming through the Nadroga system, with several players having graduated from the Under-20 competition over the past two seasons.
The captain says their development and willingness to step up have played an important role in the Stallions’ campaign.
For Nadroga, the 24-22 victory is not only a celebration of this season’s hard work but also a sign of what the next generation of Stallions can achieve.
