Koroibete Tells Of World Cup Dream
In 2012 Marika Koroibete was playing reserve grade rugby league for the Wests Tigers at Cessnock Sportsground.
Five years on the Fijian flyer returned to the Hunter but this time with the Australian rugby union squad.
The Wallabies wrapped up a weeklong training camp in Newcastle last Saturday with hill runs at King Edward Park and a quick dip at Nobbys Beach. Koroibete is one of the “younger generation” retiring captain Stephen Moore will hand over the reins to at the end of this campaign.
And for the 25-year-old winger, who played 74 NRL matches for the Tigers and Melbourne Storm across five seasons including the most recent grand final, a World Cup remains the “dream” for 2019.
“This is my last year (of a twoyear deal) so hopefully I impress them and sign again for the World Cup,” Koroibete told the Newcastle Herald at No.2 Sportsground.
“I do want to go to the World Cup. It would be a dream come true to represent Australia at the World Cup.” Koroibete, who played the 2017 Super Rugby season with the Melbourne Rebels, said the group’s time together in Newcastle was beneficial for him.
“I’ve got lots of things to learn and I learn things every day,” he said.
“It’s the Wallabies and I’m so grateful to be in this camp. Hopefully I can get a run this year and if I get an opportunity I will grab it with both hands. As a little kid my dream was to play for the Wallabies. For me to come straight from NRL to the Wallabies is a privilege.” He said his rise up the ranks has “gone so quick”.
“Looking back it only feels like yesterday I was playing reserve grade for the Wests Tigers. Then to play first grade and now this level is very special.”
The Wallabies have returned to camp at Cessnock.
The opening Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks will take place in Sydney on August 19.
Australia will play six Tests in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina followed by another five on the annual European spring tour, which also includes a stopover in Japan.