It will be a special night for veteran prop Samuela Tawake as he marks his 50th appearance when the Fijian Drua face the ACT Brumbies in Round 10 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition tonight.
The milestone carries deep personal meaning for Tawake, who recently lost his father, one of his most loyal supporters, known for attending his matches.
The Drua says this game will be more than just another fixture; it is a tribute to the man who stood behind him throughout his journey.
In the lead-up to the match, heartfelt messages of support poured in from family and friends.
His mother, overcome with emotion, expressed her pride and gratitude, thanking him for his hard work and for representing their family on the big stage.
Tawake himself was visibly moved as he watched and listened to the messages, drawing strength from the love and encouragement surrounding him.
He will no doubt be motivated to deliver a standout performance for his team on this special occasion.
The Drua will be aiming to cause an upset in Canberra and secure their first away win of the season when they take on the Brumbies at 9:35 tonight.
