Hoping For 3rd Time Lucky

Born in Brisbane, Fijian forward Jayson Bukuya has played in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla Sharks and New Zealand Warriors.

In a career that has been affected by injuries, Jayson Bukuya has found a home in the Sutherland Shire.

Bukuya’s international career began in 2008, the same year he signed a professional contract for the Sharks, during the World Cup in Australia. He played all four games for Fiji, helping his ancestral nation to victories over France and Ireland before losing to Australia in the semifinal.

Five years later, in the 2013 World Cup, it was a case of deja vu for Bukuya as Fiji were again knocked out by Australia in the semifinal. Since then, Bukuya moved briefly to New Zealand Warriors, however after only one season he returned to Cronulla Sharks. In 2016, as the Sharks won their first premiership, he played 25 games, scored five tries and made a big impact off the bench in the grand final.

“I had to hang in there because there were plenty of times I wanted to throw it in,” he told NRL.com during that dream season.

“By just pushing through those tough times to where I am now has made it all worth it.”

In the past two World Cups, Fiji have been grouped with Australia and England, but this time the Pacific Island nation has the chance to win the opening World Cup games against second tier sides the USA, Wales and Italy. Now a senior statesman of the Fiji side, Bukuya will be expected to lead from the front. The Cronulla forward rings his mother before every game and is proud to represent Fiji.

“My dad passed away when I was very young but [my heritage] is something we love to celebrate as a family.” Fiji’s RLWC 2017 Tickets: RLWC2017 tickets start at just $10 kids/concessions, $20 Adults and $45 for a family of four.

Attention Fijian Fans! The Australian Fijian Rugby League (AFRL) based in Sydney will be organising bus/coach services to transport Fijian supporters from selected pick up locations from Sydney to Canberra Stadium for the Fiji vs Italy match on November 10.

For more information email at info@afrl.com.au from the Australian Fiji Rugby League or call Joycelyn on +61474498355.

Fan Club: To join the Fijian Fan Club (free) and receive updates go to www.culturalpulse.com.au/rugbyleaguefans

My dad passed away when I was very young but [my heritage] is something we love to celebrate as a family Jason Bukuya Vodafone Fiji Bati

Zimbio Jayson Bukuya of Fiji watches on during the Rugby League World Cup Group A match against Ireland at Spotland Stadium on October 28, 2013 in Rochdale, England.Photo:

Photo: Zimbio Jayson Bukuya and Aaron Groom celebrate victory after the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Semi-final qualifying match between Fiji and Ireland at Skilled Stadium on November 10, 2008 on the Gold Coast, Australia.