Rookie Girls accompanying coach to the Harvey Norman Invitational, Simeli Kurisavulevu admits that limited equipment, a lack of training programmes and the ongoing challenge of developing coaches continue to be major hurdles in preparing players to perform at the required level.

However, he says the programme has made steady progress in recent years, particularly in building the knowledge and experience of local coaches.

“It’s a quite a challenge, because in terms of our equipment and training programmes and also more challenges in our trying to build up in coaches to get the players in the right place where they need to perform. “

Now an accompanying coach for the third time, Kurisavulevu expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to gain valuable exposure overseas, saying the experience has strengthened his coaching knowledge and will ultimately benefit the development of players back home.

“But I think I’m really thankful that I have an opportunity to go and experience this exposure for the third time.”