Fiji hope rests on Hayne and Sims

Eels star Jarryd Hayne will lead an island nation responsible for casting the darkest of clouds on Welsh Rugby Union last year, whilst also maintaining the impression that dreams really do come true.

Fiji pulled the biggest of triggers in last years Rugby World Cup, shooting the highly fancied Welsh side down and sending them packing in the group stages.

Although Fiji’s success in union has been great for the code itself, will Fiji’s rugby league World Cup campaign provide another element of surprise or excitement?

Reality says no.

Compared to other island nations such as Samoa and Tonga, Fiji’s player roster lacks the flair and experience necessary to trouble the big sides in two weeks time.

The determination of Fiji is not in question here. They pride themselves heavily in league, often producing world-class calibre players, none more famous than Wallabies flyer Lote Tuqiri and Kangaroos’ prop Petero Civoncieva.

Unfortunately for Fijian rugby league, this country is more often than not the victim of its own goldmine of player talent.

Indeed, this is the challenge Fiji needs to overpower if they are any chance of causing a stir come World Cup time.

Despite the lack of depth, Fiji can still count on some fairly able players, among them Knights fullback Wes Naiqama, Bradford winger Semi Tadulala and Bulldogs centre Daryl Millard.

But none are more exquisite than Parramatta flyer Jarryd Hayne.

Hayne was drafted into Fiji’s world cup squad due to his inability to break into the Kangaroos World Cup side. This in turn represents a massive opportunity for Hayne to shine in a team who’s fortunes will heavily rest on his shoulders.

After suffering a disappointing 2008 season, (curbed by the fact that he nearly lost his life due to a King Cross shooting in the pre-season), Hayne now has the means to remind the Australian selectors of the attacking brilliance they have left out when he wears the white jersey of his native Fiji.

While most of Fiji’s hope will rest with Hayne’s performances, Brisbane Broncos’ forward Ashton Sims will carry a heavy workload upfront as well.

Sims qualifies for the Fiji national team due to his mother being Fijian.

While Sims’ inclusion is a good one for ‘The Bati’, like Hayne, the Brisbane prop has a great chance to pit his power game against some of the best players in League.

This World Cup could indeed be a coming of age for Sims, who has been earmarked as a future State of Origin player, whilst also being the target for criticism due to his high error rate - none more costly than his last touch of a football in season 2008 for the Broncos.

Super 14 tipping now live for sign-ups. Join now and invite your mates.

Free Email updates:

• Get Alan Nicolea's articles emailed to you
• Get a daily Rugby League email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...