Fijians in Queensland NRC teams
Fijian players have forced their way in the Queensland teams for the 2017 Australia National Rugby Championship competition, which starts in September.
Leading the charge is former Labasa football goalkeeper and Vodafone Fijian 7s squad member Filipo Daugunu who has been included in the Queensland Country squad. The Saqani, Cakaudrove native is joined by wingers Veresa Mataitini, Eto Nabuli and former Telecom Fijian Warriors prop Kirwan Sanday. The Queensland Country side have appointed former All Blacks lock and 2011 Rugby World Cup winner Brad Thorn as coach. They will play Fiji on October 21.
For the Brisbane City side, they’ve retained Reds captain Samu Kerevi and winger Chris Kuridrani. The star-studded side face the Fijian side in the championship opener at Ballymore on September 2.
SQUADS
Brisbane City squad; Props- Markus Vanzati, Sam Talakai, Laione Mulikihaamea, Salesi Manu, Feao Fotuaika, Hookers- Tonga Ma’afu, Andrew Ready, Maile Ngauamo, Locks- Kane Douglas, Lukhan Tui, Daniel Gorman, Michael Richards, Backrow- Adam Korczyk, Michael Gunn, Reece Hewat, Jeremiah Lynch, Mitch King, Pat Morrey, Jack De Guingand, Halfbacks- Nick Frisby, Moses Sorovi, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, First FiveQuade Cooper, James Dalgleish, AJ Alatimu, Centres- Alex Horan, Henry Taefu, Samu Kerevi, Outside backs- Karmichael Hunt, Maalonga Konelio, Chris Kuridrani, Jayden Ngamanu, Lachlan Maranta, Ed Fidow, Junior Laloifi
Queensland Country squad; Props- Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Kirwan Sanday, Fred Burke, HookersAlex Mafi, Alex Casey, Efi Ma’afu, LocksIzack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Philip Potgieter, Harry Hockings, Backrow- Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Caleb Timu, Ted Postal, Fraser McReight, Tainui Ford, Tyrone Pritchard, HalfbacksJames Tuttle, Tate McDermott, Scott Malolua, First Five- Hamish Stewart, Teti Tela, Centres- Duncan Paia’aua, Patrick James, Conor Chittenden, Outside backs- Campbell Magnay, Izaia Perese, Eto Nabuli, Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Byron Hutchinson, Veresa Mataitini.