From Fiji Times Online (12 April 2010)

Ravoi makes his mark

byAmit Raj

Gregory Ravoi

FOR someone who started playing rugby league from just this year, Gregory Ravoi is an exceptional talent.

The Marist Brothers High School sixth former is only six games old in the sport but watching him in action, one can easily be led to believe otherwise.

Ravoi is the younger and more vibrant version of New Zealand star Fuifui 'Car Crash' Moimoi and why wouldn't he be, in view of the fact that he idolises the Tongan born prop.

Explosive runs, powerful leg drives and a bold attitude is what makes him a special player and a star in the Fiji Rugby League secondary schools competition.

He prefers playing league than union and what he loves most about it is the full-contact nature of the game.

"Rugby league is more aggressive. There are more chances to hit-up as players have to be very aggressive," he says.

The 16-year-old was the standout player in the latest round of competition at Bidesi Park on Saturday, helping Marist edge Ratu Navula Secondary School 10-6 to book a spot in the semis.

The Flagstaff school defaulted its opening two games because players were not available because of athletics training but once the red brigade got into motion, there was no question about looking back.

The side beat Queen Victoria School and then lost to Nasinu Secondary School by the narrowest of margins.

After that the Mitieli Tuiloma-coached side switched into top gear, recording three big wins over International Secondary School, Nabua Secondary School and Laucala Bay Secondary School without conceding any points.

Ravoi has a strong feeling about his team's chances of winning the final.

"This is the first time Marist is taking part in rugby league," he said.

"The competition has been tough. For us the biggest challenge has been adapting the rules.

"But if there's a will, there is a way. It's possible for us to win.

"Actually we need the prize-money to buy a new set of jerseys. We've been using the same jerseys since the U-14 grade."

Ravoi joined MBHS in 2007 after completing primary school at Stella Maris.

Since then he has been a regular in the school's rugby union teams having played in the U-14, U-15 and U-16 grades.

"Every time we've lost in the semi-finals and last year we lost to RKS 10-7."

Ravoi's hobbies are listening to music and having a laugh while hanging out with friends.

He studies pure science and hopes to become a qualified physiotherapist.

His mum Charlene Ravoi is from Rotuma Island and she's the rock in his life.

"She's my inspiration. She says nothing comes easy in life. If you want to make it big then you've got to work hard for it."

Nobody from his family has been anyway near to playing for the national rugby teams.

However, his cousin Frentina Antrea is a chess national rep who has represented Fiji in numerous tournaments overseas.