Ravalawa handy for World Cup: Costin
Vodafone Fijian Bati winger Mikaele Ravalawa scored two tries to help St George Illawarra Dragons put their NRL campaign back on track.
The Dragons survived an early scare at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney to trounce Cronulla Sharks 30-16.
The Galoa, Serua native’s performance impressed Bati head coach Brandon Costin.
During last year’s June Test match Costin drafted Ravalawa in the Bati squad after watching him play for the Dragons.
“I didn’t know that he (Ravalawa) had played centre while playing in their lower grades in Canberra,” he said.
“I watched him last year and saw him made good carries and try assists. I was able to see that he had the ability to play in that that role at centre.
“He's got good passing, great movement in and around the ball, so he's a good acquisition to have in the Bati team.
“This is because he plays a couple of positions which is going to be handy going into the World Cup.”
Costin highlighted that it’s going to take time for the players to settle into their game after the COVID-19 pandemic break.
“You can see some of the NRL teams are struggling to get back into form but those teams have a good influence of Fijian players who are high up in the ladder because they are playing consistently.”
PATHWAY
Costin added players like Ravalawa went through some development phase before making it to the NRL.
“It is very important to have a stable and good development background that can back players ,” he said.
“Players can only play and perform well if they are developed and nurtured well.
“It is good to have young players that we can work with in terms of development for the future, especially for the Bati team ahead of the Rugby League World Cup next year in England.”
LONG BREAK
With the competition looking to kick-off soon players are optimistic of getting back to the pitch and play for their clubs.
Costin said it has been a long break for this players.
“COVID-19 has really made this players wait for long but competition should be back on soona and the Kaiviti Silktails boys will be back with their clubs and that will be intresting,” he said.