New Centre Pairing
Jona Sawailau is likely to team up with Cyril Reece in the centre against Queensland Country on Saturday
Jona Sawailau is most likely to join Cyril Reece in the new centre pairing for the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua against Queensland Country in the round three of the National Rugby Championship this Saturday.
This was after centres Poasa Waqanibau and Enele Malele were ruled out due to injuries. Avete Daveta returns to wing position to partner with competition top tryscorer Levani Kurumudu.
Before departure yesterday, Sawailau said, “I can fit in both at No. 12 and No.13. When I have the opportunity I’ve got to show what I’ve got and prove my worth to the coaching staff.”
Macuata
The Naua, Namuka, Macuata native did made his debut in the 66-5 destruction of Brisbane City in Lautoka last Saturday.
“We have a big game on Saturday and we need to win both games to put us in good stead for a home semifinal.
“I thank God for giving me this opportunity and I am humbled to be in this team.”
Sawailau was born in Campbelltown, Sydney, Australia before he moved back to Fiji where he attended Drasa Secondary School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Ba Methodist High School.
He has a sister and four brothers with the youngest, Edward Sawailau playing for Top 14 France club Perpignan with Eroni Sau who made his mark for the Drua last season.
Uncle
His uncle is Joe Sawailau, a former manager of the Fijian national 7s team.
Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula said, “There are a lot of players we can shift around like Reece at No. 12 and Sawailau at No. 13 and Daveta coming back to the wing. The players in the backline can deliver on Saturday without injured players Waqanibau and Malele.”
He added the team’s moral is good and they are looking forward to their first game away from home. “Australian teams know how we play now after the first two rounds and will aim to shut us out.
“At the moment we are just concentrating on game by game, week by week and if we do that right then we can look at ourselves in to being one of the top four at the end of the NRC.” The side departed for Brisbane.