Raiders punt on sevens sensation

CANBERRA have sensationally signed exciting Fijian rugby sevens player Masivesi Dakuwaqa for the rest of the NRL season.

The 23-year-old Dakuwaqa, who the Raiders say is capable of playing as a back-rower or outside back, won a gold medal last year at the Rio Olympics with Fiji’s rugby sevens team and is tipped to deliver an edge to an already dynamic Raiders line-up. Standing at 190cm and weighing over 100kg, Dakuwaqa played rugby league in Fiji until the age of 17 before switching to rugby.

“He’s a gold medallist and plays on both sides of the park. He’s a big unit and it makes obvious sense to have a look at him and see how he goes,” Raiders recruitment manager Peter Mulholland said.

“His experience has been playing lock and second row as a kid, but he would also be lethal as an outside back. He could end up playing anywhere.”

Dakuwaqa’s vision in his left eye is significantly impaired following an accident in primary school. Canberra has scored 210 points this season, third only to the Dragons (225) and Sea Eagles (216).