United in Hockey, Driven by Community
Lautoka Maroons Men's Team, the winners of the State of Origin Hockey Tournament, men's division, Tristan Tora holds the trophy.
Levuka Women's Hockey Team, the winners of the State of Origin Hockey Tournament, women's division. A young supporter holds the winning trophy.
Lautoka Maroons and Levuka Crowned Champions at State of Origin Hockey Tournament
The final day of the State of Origin Hockey Tournament, organised and hosted by the Lautoka Hockey District, took place at the Nadovu Park, concluded on a high note, delivering thrilling matches and memorable moments as the 2026 hockey season officially got underway. The tournament, supported by key sponsors Engineering Minds Ltd, Strike Fumigation and Pest Control Ltd, Swift Logistics Ltd, Raiwaqa Buses Ltd, and the Australia and New Zealand Former Lautoka Hockey Players, brought together eight men’s teams and three women’s teams, drawing fans from across Fiji.
The event also marked the long-awaited return of Levuka Hockey Association, adding historical significance to a tournament filled with action, rivalry, and celebration.
Men’s Division: Upsets and a Dominant Finish
The men’s competition delivered major surprises on Day Two, overturning the expectations set during the pool stages. Nadi, who had topped their group after a blistering Day One performance, were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Lautoka Maroons, going down 2–1. The result stunned spectators, particularly as the Maroons had finished last in Pool B on Day One.
The Maroons’ resurgence was driven by a star-studded lineup packed with Fiji and district representatives, including Rupeni Fabiano Jr, Alsace Smith Jr, Owen Smith, Harry Ah Tong, Charles Fabiano, Tristan Tora, Amasio Vallance, Patrick Nabainivalu, Jone Naulumatua, William Sikuri, Cecil Ledger, and Kristofer Mock. Their momentum carried them into the semi-finals, where they edged a young Lautoka Under-21 side 2–1, who surpassed all expectations by reaching the semifinals.
On the other side of the draw, Lautoka Seniors lived up to their reputation in a tougher knockout pathway. They overcame Ba in a tense quarter-final, winning 3–2 in a penalty shootout. In what many described as a final-worthy encounter, Lautoka Seniors then defeated the star-studded Navua–Suva combination 2–1 in an action-packed semi-final.
Lautoka Seniors Hockey Team, day one action.
The Seniors were led by experienced campaigners Ernest Coffin, Lesco Veidreyaki, Hamlet Wedlock, and Sam Logavatu, alongside the Smith brothers Esoroma and Norman, with strong support from Brydan Fong, Tevita Dau, Josefa Cama, Rusiate Novakadretia, Kala Temo, Maika Temo, and Sailosi Khan. The victory secured an all-Lautoka final, reinforcing the district’s status as a powerhouse of Fiji hockey.
In the men’s final, played on rain soaked ground, Lautoka Maroons proved too strong for Lautoka Seniors, producing a dominant display to claim a 3–0 victory. Despite missing several opportunities, the Maroons made their chances count, showcasing superior teamwork and composure. Led by Rupeni Fabiano Jr and Alsace Smith Jr, the Maroons controlled the match, while the Seniors, captained by Ernest Coffin, Lesco Veidreyaki, and Hamlet Wedlock, had no answer and settled for the runners-up position.
Women’s Division: Levuka’s Historic Triumph
In the women’s division, form held true as Suva and Levuka advanced to the final, while hosts Lautoka were eliminated and finished with the wooden spoon.
The championship match, played in heavy rain on a soggy surface, produced a historic moment for Levuka. Led by Katarina Vueti and supported by Fiji national representatives Catherine Fabiano and Vika Sowani, Levuka delivered a composed and clinical performance to defeat Suva 2–0. The match finished in a draw and went to penalty strokes, where Catherine and Vika sealed the win by sending the ball into the back of the net as Levuka erupted in celebration.
Suva, captained by Pase Tikoitoga and long regarded as the dominant force in district hockey, were unable to contain Levuka’s disciplined approach. Having lost to Suva earlier in pool play and finishing second in the group, Levuka made no mistake when it mattered most, producing a memorable display in the final.
After decades away from district championships, the Levuka women’s team returned in emphatic fashion, claiming the title of Fiji District Champions. Celebrations were set to continue in Lautoka before the team returned home to Levuka with the trophy.
Awards and Acknowledgements
The tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies to the Lautoka Maroons (men’s champions) and Levuka (women’s champions). Lautoka Hockey District also introduced an expanded prize structure, recognising performance and participation across the tournament.
Prizes awarded included:
- Final Winners (Men and Women) – Cash prizes
- Runners-Up (Men and Women) – Cash prizes
- Third Place (Women) – Cash prize
- Losing Semi-Finalists (Men) – Cash prizes
- Losing Quarter-Finalists (Men) – Cash prizes
- Most Valuable Player (Men and Women) – Gift prizes
- Most Outstanding Back/Goalkeeper (Men and Women) – Cash prizes
- Most Outstanding Midfielder (Men and Women) – Cash prizes
- Most Outstanding Forward (Men and Women) – Cash prizes
- Special Appreciation Award for the Team That Travelled the Furthest – Cash prize
The Lautoka Hockey Association extended special thanks to its executive leadership, President Martin Coffin, Treasurer Helen McLaren, Secretary Grace Smith, and Vice President Hamlet Wedlock, along with committee members Henschell Coffin, Esoroma Smith, Fergus Underwood, and Daisy Veidreyaki, for their tireless efforts in delivering a successful tournament.
Acknowledgement was also given to sponsors and supporters, including Engineering Minds Ltd (Mr Nemia Tagi), Strike Fumigation and Pest Control Ltd (Mr Norman Smith), Management of Swift Logistics and Raiwaqa Buses, and the Australia and New Zealand Former Lautoka Hockey Players, Martin Coffin, Bhoo Gautam, Jimmy Little, James Sokraa’a, Noel Joseph, Ravi Goundar, David O’Conner, and Kevin Fraser.
The LHA also acknowledges Ernest Coffin and Transam for providing the truck used to transport equipment, tents, chairs, and other essential items, as well as all LHA club members who volunteered their time and support throughout the tournament.
The LHA would like to extend special thanks to Astral Smith and Catherine Fabiano for directing and organising the running of the matches, including the coordination of referees.
With strong participation, high-quality competition, and widespread community support, the 2026 State of Origin Hockey Tournament has set a positive tone for the season ahead.