"We were very pleased with the turn-out considering the fact that we are doing this for the first time," Puamau said. "The trials was to identify talents in the u-16 age grade and this will see us take an age grade team overseas for the first time since the tournament is also being held for the first time," he said.

Boys coach Peni Ratumaiyale selected 16 boys for his extended training squad while girls coach Seini Dobui selected 10 girls for her extended training squad and Puamau said the final four member teams for both the boys and girls division would be announced after nine weeks. He said since the players were still new to the format, they would need time to adjust to it. "It will be a new format and the selected players will have two months of preparation to get them used to the format." "The task of teaching a new format will be easier since we have a smaller training squad."

Meanwhile, Puamau said a similar trial would be held in the west since only a few participants turned up from the west. "Given the current weather situation in the west, it's understandable and it was a matter of safety. So we will have a trial probably in Lautoka after two weeks to consider talent from the west," he said.

The 10-member girls extended training squad are; Vika Ramara, Maria Kingdom, Linda Fong, Kelera Koyamainavure, Matelita Toga, Kuini Ratumaiyale, Sevaira Veikoso, Selai Vuetibau, Britany Kamsoo and Tiyana.