Fiji Airways Drua Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named eleven capped Flying Fijians in his team to contest round one of the National Rugby Championship against Melbourne Rising this weekend.
The squad sees the NRC debuts of Serupepeli Vularika and Enele Matele as well as the return to Fijian rugby for Johnny Dyer and Poasa Waqanibau.
Seruvakula says he has opted for a forward heavy split off the bench, aiming to ensure his side can maintain pressure and strength for the full 80 minutes.
“We know the Rising will bring a powerful side, and we want to make sure when we get to the last 20 minutes we can apply strong pressure off the bench.”
The NRC kicks off on Saturday and the Queensland takes on the Vikings at 7pm in Canberra and in the other match earlier at 3pm Fiji Drua hosts Melbourne Rising at 3pm in Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park.
Squad
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tuvere Vugakoto Veremalua
3. Luke Tagi
4. Peni Naulago
5. Albert Tuisue
6. Filimone Seru
7. Mosese Voka
8. Eremasi Radradro
9. Frank Lomani
10. Alivereti Veitokani
11. Levani Kurumudu
12. Cyril Reece
13. Poasa Waqanibau
14. Avete Daveta
15. Apisalome Waqatubu
“Reserve Bench:”
16. Ratunaisa Navuma
17. Joeli Veitayaki
18. Mosese Ducivaki
19. Tevita Naqali
20. Johnny Dyer
21. Peni Raidre
22. Serupepeli Vularika
23. Enele Malele
