Nadroga’s favourite son Apisalome Waqatabu is home and ready to fire for  the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua in their critical final fixture against Bond University Queensland Country at Lawaqa Park, this Saturday.

Waqatabu was a stalwart of the 2018 NRC Championship winning side and will rejoin the boys in blue to fight to keep their finals hopes alive.

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula’ has made minor tweaks to his side that chased down an inspiring victory against Melbourne Rising last weekend, and with so much at stake, is pleased he can field his strongest team yet.

“I have to name our strongest side for this match because we need to win and qualify for the semi-final.

“Our players are injury free and have been outstanding in the past matches” he said.

With the inclusion of Waqatabu, for the first time this season, Seruvakula can name 13 players from the 2018 team, in his starting line up.

Skipper Joeli Veitayaki, Tevita Ikanivere and Penijamini Makutu in the front row.

Peni Naulago and Tevita Naqali complete the right five, with Filimoni Seru, Johnny Dyer and Eeremasi Radrodro in the back row.

Peni Matawalu and Enele Malele will continue their halves combinations while Cyril Reece and Serupepeli Vularika will once again appear at the centres.

Jiuta Wainiqolo moves to right wing and Levani Kurumudu starts on the left and Apisalome Waqatabu take his place at full-back.

Seruvakula said the players are aware of the threat their opponents will impose on Saturday.

“We have been closely monitoring Queensland Country, they are a strong outfit and will come with a well prepared game plan” he said.

He added “For us there is no two ways but to win the game and seal a semi-final berth.

“We want to move and keep our title defence hope alive.

For this we need to have a positive outcome on Saturday.”

Seruvakula has urged fans to come in numbers and support the Drua who are playing at Lawaqa Park in Rugby Town for the first time in two seasons.

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua face Queensland Country at 2pm on Saturday.

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua squad VS Queensland Country

1. Joeli Veitayaki
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Penijamini Makutu
4. Tevita Naqali
5. Peni Naulago
6. Filimoni Seru
7. Johnny Dyer
8. Eremasi Radrodro
9. Peni Matawalu
10. Enele Malele
11. Levani Kurimudu
12. Seru Vularika
13. Cyril Reece
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Apisalome Waqatabu

Reserves ;

16. Ratunaisa Navuma
17. Timoci Sauvoli
18. Jone Koroi
19. Epeli Radaniva
20. Rusiate Nasove
21. Caleb Muntz
22. Poasa Waqanibau
23.Samisoni Viriviri