Sisa here on a comeback
Veteran Sisa Waqa is on a comeback trail. After playing rugby union in France, the former Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders winger is hoping to make the Vodafone Fijian Bati squad for the Rugby League World Cup, which starts on October 27, in Australia. Australian Fijians head coach Wes Naiqama is giving him a last chance as he leads them against the Fiji Residents side in the Battle of the Bati this Saturday. Also, trying his luck out is Sydney Roosters forward Eloni Vunakece. The Tavua native hit the headlines in Australia as the only NRL player that still keeps his work as a rubbish collector.
The Fijian Residents players are gunning for the 10 available spots in the Vodafone Fijian Bati side for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Speaking to SUNsports last night, Residents head coach Josaia Rabele said they’re working around the clock to ensure they’re in top shape against the Australian Fijians in Saturday’s Battle of the Bati.
“So far we’ve fourteen spots in the Bati side taken-up by the NRL players and there are ten available spots,” he said. “The battle is going to be tough as the Australian Fijians will be led by former “Melbourne Storm star winger Sisa Waqa who will be backed by NRL players like Eloni Vunakece and Ben Nakubuwai.”
Rabele indicated that the local basedplayers have been having their training sessions at Bidesi Park in Suva.
“The local players are going to give their best and like the NRL players they’ve equal chance of making the Bati for the RLWC.”
Rabele was the head coach of the Bati side to the 2008 RLWC where they reached the semifinal for the first time with eight local-based players who played alongside Jarryd Hayne, Akuila Uate, skipper Wes Naiqama, Ashton Sims and Jayson Bukuya who was only 18 years old then.
The World Cup starts on October 27.