Former NRL star Marika Koroibete has committed to the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign with the winger signing a new Rugby Australia deal that takes him through until the end of 2019.
Koroibete has only signed with Australia and the Melbourne Rebels until after the tournament in Japan, leaving open the possibility of then playing rugby overseas or returning to rugby league.
The 26-year-old has become a regular starter in the Wallabies backline, playing 14 Test since his debut in 2017.
Koroibete said staying in Melbourne, where he first made a name for himself with NRL club the Melbourne Storm, was an obvious choice.
“I am very happy to be continuing with the Rebels in 2019,” Koroibete said.
“I joined the club when I first came to professional rugby and they have supported me to become a Wallaby and now I want to repay their belief in me and be the best winger in the world. ”
Rebels head coach David Wessels said Koroibete was already passing on his knowledge and experience to the club’s young players.
“Marika has been an outstanding member of our club and community since he became a Rebel and he has a key role to play in educating our emerging players.
“There is no doubt he is going to be a key part of our quest for a Super Rugby title in 2019.”
Koroibete’s re-signing confirms another key piece of their 2019 squad, following the recruitment of Brumbies No.8 Isi Naisarani and Melbourne-born Wallaby Matt Toomua, who will join the Rebels in May following the conclusion of his commitments with UK club Leicester Tigers.
Kane
Roar Guru
Good news, he managed to make 4 tackles this week, bad news, he missed 4 and coughed up a turnover.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
KCOL - I do agree but the Wallabies are no place where that should be happening. Back to Club or to have a Coach teach him the facts. I see a lot of Fijians, Tongans and other Islanders with natural skills in abundance and at times relying on barge, strength and speed but in fact do not have a lot of Rugby Smarts - "Nous" and that is something that has to be addressed. As an aside, NFL is a larger professional game than Rugby is but each club during training - all players practice their set skill set during the week. The fine tune all the time. Not saying it works but any player who falls off in skills is pulled or dropped. Maybe PIRU can comment on that? It is not Cheika's responsibility to improve their skills but you would think that if they do not have the skills perfected that he would take steps to rectify it. Example Folau and his faults - but I think the reason for Folau's faults, is his unwillingness to learn or plain dumb. Similarly Koroibete!! And you would think that as professional players, they would practice on their own to improve - aka Johnny Wilkinson.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Actually Jeznez I was not blaming the lower levels for Koriobete's faults but more or less the KCOL's statement. The problem is not his ability. He can defend but he does not have Rugby Smarts even though he played Rugby as a youngster but he cannot read defence and he gets sucked in by the runner. Penalties, like last weekend are just stupid and means brain not in gear.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
I do hope there are no Statues in the South, otherwise the PC brigade will want them demolished!!
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Chook, your Clowning around again. Been having too many beers with Cheika have you?
Petey
Roar Rookie
I hope Australian rugby is trying to get back Jesse Mogg and Luke Morahan add some more competition to the outside back positions for 2019 RWC
Banjo Kelly
Roar Rookie
With Toomua there there to guide him, what an opportunity to see if Maddocks can play 10? I like Maddocks and the Wallabies have shown him more than a fair go but is he a test player and if so in what position? Wessels played Hodge as a makeshift 10 so does he rate Maddocks as a fly half prospect? Hard spot to learn unless he played some junior footy there?
Kane
Roar Guru
The south will never rise again. Best thing I ever did was move away from that place.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
That said, I like Marika. I hope he can round out his skills and succeed at Rebels, and wallabies if chosen. His raw speed and power is formidable.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well actually Jez we can. If we had fully skilled home grown wingers we would not buy Fijians via the NRL fame game.
Stu
Roar Rookie
What's a loigy?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Fairly harsh..
jeznez
Roar Guru
I like English but given the Genia/Cooper combination to go with what was the Wallaby 11-15 from last weekend. I think it has to be English to the bench. Means they really need a new captain and I don't love Coleman nor Genia in the role - both good VC's IMO Although would probably have Naivalu drop off the bench and keep Meakes. Toomua covers 10 so Meakes can come in to 12, English covers 13 out. Pretty nice selection problem for Wessells to have.
Jacko
Guest
Either English or Cooper to bench and meakes to drop off maybe?????
Uncle Eric
Guest
Completely fair Kane, he'd have to be one of the worst wingers in world Rugby.
Kane
Roar Guru
Harsh but fair
Etepeus
Roar Rookie
+1 Southland doesn't need over paid ex league players. We picked up a Ranfurly Sheild not that long ago. The South will rise again lol, you might take the boy out of Southland but you cant take Southland out of the boy.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Can't actually blame the lower levels in regards to Koroibete specifically. He's only ever been in the elite environment since coming across at Rebels and Wallabies level.
Joeys 78
Guest
Very harsh
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Personally, he is not in the top line of wingers in Australia. He must be able to defend and he is a penalty magnet. He has too many weaknesses which seems to be a main stay of our top Rugby players. The result of a system failure at the lower levels in terms of training for coaches and skills.