Michael Potter will have a talented backline and equally impressive forward pack at his disposal when world No. 7 Fiji take on fellow Pacific powerhouse Tonga in May.
Jarryd Hayne may have been ruled out of the Pacific Test, however the Bati head coach Mick Potter still has plenty of options with a strong contingent of Fijian-born and heritage players finding form in 2017.
Among them is Melbourne Storm flyer Suliasi Vunivalu who is primed to make his Test debut. The Suva product smashed records in 2016, amassing 23 tries in his rookie season to lead the NRL try scoring tally.
In doing so, eclipsing Israel Folau’s for the record of the most tries in a debut season. He has continued his form into the 2017 year, already scoring six tries in a potent Melbourne outfit who sit equal top on the ladder.
Vunivalu is likely to line up alongside fellow young guns Marcelo Montoya, a shining light for Canterbury-Bankstown in his rookie season, and Waqa Blake. The backline is also set to feature experienced outside backs Kevin Naiqama and a rejuvenated Akuila Uate who has found his feet since arriving at Manly following a fall from grace with the Knights.
Mick Potter won’t just be spoilt for choice in the outside backs with the former Wests Tigers mentor enlisting the in-form Apisai Koroisau at hooker while a number of big-name forwards including Jayson Bukuya, Korbin Sims and Kane Evans will be hoping to add to their Test caps, providing plenty of go-forward up front.
Unlike other Pacific nations whose stars largely come from Australia or New Zealand, Fiji’s line-up comprises a plethora of locals, Vunivalu and Uate among them.
The Bati look to have a much more experienced outfit with halfback Sitiveni Mocedreike receiving NRL experience with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, which will no doubt prove valuable against the world No. 14 Tongan team.
Fiji’s fixture against the Pacific nation will provide a springboard ahead of the World Cup and give Potter and his squad a great opportunity to develop a strong team dynamic capable of going deep into the finals.
Fiji’s best 17
1. Marcelo Montoya (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 1 cap)
2. Suliasi Vunivalu (Melbourne Storm, yet to debut)
3. Waqa Blake (Penrith Panthers, yet to debut)
4. Kevin Naiqama (Wests Tigers, 10 caps)
5. Akuila Uate (Manly Sea Eagles, 12 caps)
6. Brayden Wiliame (Catalans Dragons, 3 caps)
7. Sitiveni Moceidreke (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2 caps)
8. Korbin Sims (Brisbane Broncos, 6 caps)
9. Apisai Koroisau (Captain; Manly Sea Eagles, 6 caps)
10. Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters, 8 caps)
11. Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons, 5 caps)
12. Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights, 1 cap)
13. Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla Sharks, 10 caps)
Interchange
14. Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm, 2 caps)
15. Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers, 2 caps)
16. Eloni Vunakece (Sydney Roosters, 9 caps)
17. Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights, 2 caps)
Winston Straney
Guest
I believe John Sutton will be in team as ; Tariq Sims has opted for Country Selection or possibly Ashton Sims
Mo Jo
Roar Rookie
Surely John Sutton will put he's hand up for fiji now... He'll strengthen there halves
hutch
Guest
It is possible to have links to more than one country. Welcome to 2017. He is Australian, he is also Fijian. Not hard to understand.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Because he is injured.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
And eligible to play for Fiji too.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
"Montoya was born in Fiji to Chilean parents." Those with the mentality of only one cultural or national background rarely understand the implications of the above.
Mo Jo
Roar Rookie
Haynes dad is Fijian which also makes him part fijian... Same as the Sims brothers and Kane Evans...
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Nevermind saw an article from Potter saying he wont pick him at all.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Really thin around the halves. Has Brayden ever played in the halves before? Has James Storer retired? Need proper halves in there and that team will be pretty good.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Hi Riley, nice yeam but Radradra has made himself available for the RLWC
Shaun
Guest
@Epiquin - Because of rugby sevens. Guarantee every single one of the Fijian backline have a sevens background.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Now I understand. Cheers.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Koroisau is highly underrated. I'd pick him for Origin too.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
He's 18th man for this week. Even if he plays that's only 1 game before the test.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Yes, wingers seem to be their greatest export. It's the same as in rugby union, you only have to look at the big national teams to see how much of a Fijian presence there is on the flanks. New Zealand have Waisake Naholo, Australia have Sefanaia Naivalu and Tevita Kuridrani, and France have Noa Nakaitaci and Virimi Vakatawa. It's very rare to find a good half in the Pacific Islands, hence why I've named Wiliame and Moceidreke in the halves. I agree re Koroisau, if selected he will provide plenty. He has been very solid so far in 2017.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Hayne is coming back from injury and if fit, Neil Henry is unlikely to take the risk of releasing him for international duty. Here's what Mick Potter said: "I've spoken to Jarryd but he's busted at the moment so unfortunately he's unavailable for May. "If he is fit in the next week or so the club will probably be reluctant to give him a week to play with Fiji when he's only been back a week or so, which I understand from an NRL coaching point of view. "He's keen to be with Fiji and help them along which is great for the Bati brand. "If he's fit around that time of year [for the World Cup] then he'll definitely be in contention for the Bati squad."
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Montoya was born in Fiji to Chilean parents. As for Radradra, I can't see why Potter should name him when he won't be around for the World Cup at the end of the year.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I understood he was expected to play this round. I still don't get why Fiji wouldn't select him. Yes I realise he's Australian, but he's played for them before, Fiji are tier two, he won't get picked for Australia and if he's fit his experience alone would make him a walk up start.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
I don't know that he's been ruled out per se, but he's currently injured and only an outside chance of returning before the test.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Thanks for the hot tip there, Jeff. So are all but around 5 of the squad listed above. He's eligible to represent them and has done so before.