Tokaduadua's Fijian Flair Lighting Up ANZ Premiership

When Lili Tokaduadua steps out onto the netball court in the Stars dress, not only is she living out her netball dream, she’s also proudly representing her family and her Fijian roots.

Tokaduadua left Fiji when she was 15 to take up an opportunity at Howick College and made her ANZ Premiership debut for the Stars last season, playing 11 games and showing why she’s regarded as one of the competition’s most promising defenders.

The 20-year-old further announced herself this season, after a stellar performance at goal defence in the Stars’ 57-52 win over the Tactix in round 2, where she earned player of the match honours, stuffing the stats sheet, with 7 gains, five intercepts and three deflections.

In the crowd for the game was Tokaduadua’s number one supporter, her mum, Eleni, who was visiting from Fiji and found herself in the rare position of being able to watch her daughter play live.

“It’s really special with it being my second year in the Stars and her watching me again. It was great having her at home with me too as I don’t see her all the time.” Tokaduadua said.

While Eleni is Tokaduadua’s biggest fan, the motherly trait of becoming her biggest critic can sometimes shine through to ensure Tokaduadua doesn’t get too ahead of herself.

“She always sends me a paragraph before every game saying I need to jump and do this and that, giving me tough love.” Tokaduadua explained.

“After the game on Sunday where I thought I did well she was still telling me I have things to work on and I’m like ‘okay Mum, I thought I did good!’” Tokaduadua laughed.

While text messages and facetime can help keep people connected, there’s nothing like mum’s physical presence to make a good win that much sweeter.

“She’s always proud though. When I see her, she’s always crying after games and it’s been special having her here. After the game on Sunday, we had a function for Mila’s 100th game and she had a chance to see everyone which was nice.”

The game against the Tactix was Tokaduadua’s first time wearing the goal defence bib at the ANZ Premiership level – an exciting experience Tokaduadua’s keen to get the most out of.

“It’s fun, I’m feeling fit and I’m excited to do whatever Temepara throws at me and do my job for the team and those who are injured. I want to make the most of the opportunities and do my best.” Tokaduadua added.

“My biggest work on at the moment is my passing and placement and every training I always get reminded to calm down because I put too much pressure on myself to get it right. I want to start games nailing all of these things.”

Standing alongside Tokaduadua in the defensive circle was new signing Remi Kamo, who was also immense at goal keep, with the pair forming a formidable combination.

“We’ve clicked really well now and have a strong connection. Sunday was our first time playing together and I love how Remi plays, she can jump so high and I admire her and she talks to me heaps and I learn so much and she’s amazing.” Tokaduadua said.

Tokaduadua’s also lapping up the wealth of knowledge on hand from her assistant coach and Silver Ferns legend Leana de Bruin, who’s helped her transition into her new role.

“She’s amazing and world class. She has a lot of defensive knowledge and never stops telling me things. I’m always keen to learn and be better and she’s helped me a lot.”

Sitting in the stands watching the Tactix game was former Silver Ferns and Fijian defender Vilimaina Davu, someone who Tokaduadua couldn’t help but notice.

“It made me feel pride that I’m representing Fiji on the court and she’s there having been the first Fijian to represent the Silver Ferns was special and she’s a role model for me to look up to.”

Though they might be far away, Tokaduadua knows she’s always going to have those closest right behind her for every step of her netball journey.

“I’m getting messages from my cousins in Fiji who told me I had a good game and it’s cool to know they’re watching. I’m just really proud to not only represent the Stars but my culture.”

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