Malele returns and Matawalu to start for Drua

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made seven changes to his run on side for this Saturday’s match against New South Wales Country in Wollongong.

Suva full-back and 2018 Drua main stay Enele Malele boosts the starting line-up after an impressive week in camp and will lead an exciting new halves combination in Peni Matawalu and Caleb Muntz fielding at 9 and 10 for the first time.

Rusiate Nasove and skipper Eremasi Radrodro will run the flanks behind Epeli Radaniva and Tevita Naqali at lock with Vodafone Fijian Under-20 skipper Tevita Ikanivere returning to the number 2 jersey.

Seruvakula said ““The team is working hard and I’m expecting them to do better as they progress deep into the competition.”

In his third year of coaching in the NRC Seruvakula understands more than anyone the process his players have to go through to transition from Skipper Cup to the next level.

“It takes time and exposure to the momentum of the NRC for players to experience the importance of sticking to the game structure and being able to execute consistently at that level on field.”

“NRC is a step up from Skipper Cup and our new players are getting to understand this, and to learn our game patterns and the toughness of this competition.”

He highlighted “Our Senior players are stepping up to take charge.

“They are putting in extra effort off the field to make sure the new players understand our game style so we can keep improving.”

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua take on NSW Country Eagles in round 3 of the NRC at WIN Stadium, Wollongong at 6pm (FJT) on Saturday.  

1.Joeli Veitayaki

2.Tevita Ikanivere

3.Mosese Ducivaki

4.Tevita Naqali

5.Epeli Radaniva

6.Eremasi Radrodro

7.Rusiate Nasove

8.Jonny Dyer

9.Peni Matawalu

10.Caleb Muntz

11.Nacaniel narekuva

12.Cyril Reece

13.Poasa Waqanibau

14.Aporosa Tabulawaki

15.Enele malele

Reserves

16.Ratunaisa Navuma

17.Immanuel Naciva

18.Jone Koroi

19.Nacani Nawaqadau

20.Jone Navori

21.Serupepeli Vularika

22.Peceli Nacebe

23.Jiuta  Wainiqolo

24.Ulaiasi lawavou