Melbourne Rising captain Angus Cottrell says Fiji Airways Drua half-back Frank Lomani was the best player on the field in their opening National Rugby Championship match over the weekend.

Cottrell who also plays for Rebels in Super Rugby says Lomani has been part of the side last season and has learnt a lot from Wallabies half-back Will Genia.

“He has been with us for few months and obviously have learnt a lot from Will Genia, the best half-back in the World. He has brought that back here and he showed us and I think he was the best player on the field and he was untouchable.”

The Fijian Drua thumped the Rising 40-17 in the game last weekend and faces Brisbane City in its next match at 3pm at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday.