Valemei to make debut

CANBERRA Raiders wing Semi Valemei is excited for his first Fiji Bati game when they face the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

The Vanua Levu native is among the 13 players to start the match against the Kumuls. He will play at centre.

“It’s a good camp experience for me and some of these new players,” he said.

“Good time for us to get to know each other and to feel our energy.

“This is a good experience for me personally.”

Valemei said to be selected in the final 20-member squad means a lot.

“If I’m given the opportunity to get on the pitch this Saturday it will be special.

“It will be big for me and my family back home and for all Fijians.

“Getting selected will really mean a lot for me personally looking back at the journey I took.

“It was tough with a lot of commitment and sacrifice.”

According to head coach Joe Rabele, Valemei is a good winger.

“He’s a talented player and one of the fastest wingers in the NRL,” he said.

“It’s good to have him in camp. It’s also great for him to experience the Bati culture and how we do things.

“He has really brought in a lot of experience and competition to some of our players.

“He has a bright future and he will certainly grow as a player.”

Menwhile, Sydney Roosters veteran Kevin Naiqama will again captain the Bati in his 20th Test match and he’ll play fiveeighth alongside Nautu’a Masima from Wests Magpies.

Panthers powerhouse Viliame Kikau has the honour of co-captaining his country in his 12th Test match. Wingers Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa, centres Valemei and Waqa Blake and young Panthers fullback Sunia Turuva make up a powerful back five.

Storm prop Tui Kamikamica and Kikau lead the pack along with Taane Milne at lock while Penioni Tagituimua from the Mounties club is the No.9 and Townsville Blackhawks powerhouse Taniela Sadrugu packs into the second row.