Fiji’s daily devotion sessions have helped Aku Uate move on from a disastrous season with Manly
A HORROR season with Manly had left Akuila Uate down in the dumps — as he contemplated an end-of-season move. But one week with the Fiji Bati has revived the livewire winger.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AKU Uate went into Fiji camp this week a frustrated man.
Manly’s substandard season coupled with the Sea Eagles sending him packing at season’s end, had him feeling disillusioned.
But his emotions soon shifted when he reunited with his Fijian teammates at Parramatta in preparation for Saturday’s Test against Papua New Guinea.
Suddenly, laborious video review sessions at Manly were replaced by soothing daily devotions.
RED, WHITE AND BLOOPERS: Rugby league’s fascination with the USA
CHANGES: Kiwis blood seven fresh faces for Denver Test
For Uate, clapping, signing and praying in unison with his Fijian teammates was the perfect tonic to mentally overcome the disappointment of being let go by Manly.
“Things haven’t been great in club land, but our team prayer has helped me forget about it,” Uate told The Saturday Telegraph.
“Everyone is singing with a smile on their face and it is great to be around a team so close.
Listen below as Nick Campton, Tim Williams and debutant Joe Barton discuss the Denver/Pacific Tests, Origin Game II, NRL insights and plenty more. Be sure to Subscribe to the podcast over at iTunes.
“It was hard to leave Manly and I’m disappointed to go. It was also hard to leave Newcastle, but I guess that is just how it is these days.
“But it has been good to have the week off to play for Fiji.
“I think I needed the week off to do my own thing and get away from footy for a while.”
DO OR DIE: Maroons up the ante to save series
MUSCLES: Papalii’s mission to bash the Blues
For Uate, the Fijian’s traditional devotion sessions are his happy place.
The joyful and spiritual occasions not only give the Manly flyer valuable perspective, but remind him of his youth growing up in regional Fiji.
“When we sing, it feels like I’m home again,” he said.
“We used to do devotions every morning and what we do now is very similar.
“This Fiji team has got the same belief and faith.
“We are really close and it is always good to come back into camp and see the boys.”
Uate is now determined to star for Fiji and finish the season on a high with the Sea Eagles before leaving for Huddersfield on a three-year deal.
“I’m really happy I’m going to England, but I just want to finish on a good note before I leave,” he said.
“Our Fiji side are pretty confident at the moment.
“We’ve pretty much got the same squad from the World Cup and we are only missing a few players with injuries.
“We’ve had a few good training sessions and everyone is gelling well and we are looking forward to playing.”
Watch every game of every round of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. SIGN UP NOW >