Koroibete set for dream start
MARIKA Koroibete didn’t believe he’d get a Wallabies call- up this season but has confided he’s NRL- fit to unleash now his debut will come in Canberra.
Excited teammate Henry Speight is sure the former Melbourne Storm matchwinner is ready for a super- sub role against Argentina on Saturday night after hearing the results of testing from the Wallabies strength and conditioning coaches.
“You talk to the S and C guys, he’s one of the top trainers, he’s worked hard to get in shape and he even confesses he’s the fittest he’s been since converting from the Storm last year,” Speight said. “It’s time to let him loose.” Koroibete has so far been overlooked on the Wallabies wing in 2017 for Sefa Naivalu, Eto Nabuli, Reece Hodge and Curtis Rona. “I thought it was going to be next year they’d give me a crack, to get a run earlier than that, I’m pretty happy,” said Koroibete, 25.
“I’ve been struggling with the positional play – I thought that was going to be easy but positioning myself is something I’ve been working hard at, I think I’m getting there.”
Speight is proud to be part of a landmark weekend for Fijian- born Australians, when four of the Wallabies’ 23man squad share that heritage.
Speight and Tevita Kuridrani will start while Koroibete and Samu Kerevi are on the pine.
“Four Fijians this weekend … probably half of Fiji will be cheering for Australia,” Speight said.
“I’ve seen Marika carve up for Wests Tigers, then take his game to the next level with Melbourne Storm. You always imagined him playing union.” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he didn’t want to rush Koroibete only to see him fail.
“We’ve waited to make sure he’s really clear with his role and for him to get comfortable because we’re building him for success not just to get him in and have a run,” Cheika said.
Youngster Jordan Uelese took the hooking bench spot and impressed enough to keep it, while veteran Stephen Moore will retire from internationals at the end of this season.
“It’s pretty clear we’ve got a plan on where we’re heading around the construction of the team and I think it’s a logical decision,” Cheika said.
“Steve will get himself right and get some hard training under his belt and get himself right for the tour ( of South Africa and Argentina).”