AMID all the debate surrounding Fijian sensation Semi Radradra’s high profile defection to Australia, Fiji captain Jimmy Storer brings a refreshing perspective.
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“One thing you can't take ever away from him his is Fijian blood,” Storer said of Radradra who debuted for Australia on Friday night.
"Semi's made that decision and we all support that decision knowing the circumstances it's going to benefit not only him but his family at home. You've got to respect that but he's still one of our leaders and one of our brothers and always will be. This will always be his side as well.”
Brotherhood is something Storer knows plenty about having experienced what was a watershed moment for Fiji at the 2008 World Cup in which they reached the semi-finals for the first time.
Sydney-born Storer was one of eight Australian players of Fijian heritage in that squad, including superstar Jarryd Hayne, who fully immersed themselves in their culture for the first time.
"My first test was against Tonga I think in 2005 but started playing in Fijian sides when I was still in the under 20s,” Storer said.
"I was there from the start but I've seen how it's really progressed. That first 2008 World Cup, there was eight boys from Australia including Jarryd Hayne.
“He’s talked about how it changed his life the way we started buying into the [culture], not just the footy side of things but the spiritual side as well. Every morning we do church every night we do church and that's the way it's been since.”
It’s the same spiritual approach that has helped Storer transform perennial Group Seven strugglers Port Kembla as captain-coach this season.
"I'm not here to win a comp I'm here to change these boys lives and make them better football players,” he says.
It’s also why coach Mick Potter has re-called the 34-year-old for Saturday’s Pacific Test against Papua New Guinea and put the ‘c’ next to his name.
“I’ve brought [Storer] back because really values the Fijian culture, and we’re trying to enhance that culture,” Potter said.
After a two-year absence from the Fiji lineup, Storer said he was overcome with emotion when told he will lead the Bati.
"How do you possibly describe it?” Storer said.
“I'm one of the more senior players and I've played a fair few Tests for Fiji so when Mick told me he wanted me to captain the side I was like 'cool no worries' but on the inside brother...I was crying.
“I just had so many emotions running through me at being given the job to lead these boys to war. I'm so grateful they still had faith in me to steer the ship and I see it as a blessing.”
Potter has said he’s using this camp and Test to build towards next season’s World Cup and Storer said he will be availble for what would be his third Cup with Fiji.
"I don't drink, I don't spoke I train 24-7 and I'm always ready to go on any call,” Storer said.
“I’ll be fit and available but that’s not not my focus at the moment my focus is on bringing home the win for Fiji. They've got abut 10 players who play for the [PNG] Hunters up there in the Queensland Cup so they're together week-in week-out and they've added a few NRL boys so it's going to be an absolute war.”