Kings set to axe Rokoua
● Explosive Fijian flyer on list of 20 to go in struggling franchise’s PRO14 squad clearout, say insiders
Explosive Fijian flyer Meli Rokoua is set to be axed from the Isuzu Southern Kings PRO14 squad as the franchise embarks on a massive clearout.
Insiders said the powerful Fijian, who has the vital X-factor on attack, is on a list of 20 players who are set to be given their marching orders at the struggling franchise.
News that Rokoua is not expected to get a contract renewal will surprise many fans who enjoyed the Fijian’s attacking skill and flamboyant offloads.
Rokoua played for the EP Elephants in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge at the Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele on Saturday and scored a try in the team’s big 59-31 win over the SWD Eagles.
If Rokoua is ditched by the Kings, the Elephants will try to keep him in Port Elizabeth to help them in their quest for success in the Rugby Challenge and Currie Cup First Division.
When told that Rokoua may be on his way out at the Kings, EP Elephants manager Thando Manana said: “It would be great to get Meli to play for EP.
“In fact I have already spoken to the EP executive and said they should be looking at retaining Meli.
“He has a visa to stay in SA until December and that is a good opportunity for us to keep Meli in Port Elizabeth.
“If the Kings let him go it will be a massive mistake because he is only 24.
“Meli is the sort of guy you do not coach.
“He is one of those special players who has an instinctive feel for the game.
“With his special offloads he brings magic to the game.
“In his first outing for the Elephants, he scored a try on debut against the Eagles.
“Meli puts people in space and we saw glimpses of that when he was given a chance in the PRO14.
“If the Kings throw Meli away we will pick him up and polish him.
“Our boys are already learning from him.
“EP will definitely try and keep him in Port Elizabeth so he can leave a footprint here.”
Earlier in 2019, Kings head coach Deon Davids admitted that the talented Fijian was capable of giving him grey hairs.
The bustling centre played a pivotal role in two down-tothe-wire Guinness PRO14 clashes when he was given an opportunity to shine.
“You have to accept that when you have those types of players like Meli in your team, they will give you grey hair in certain sections of the game.
“That is something we have to live with,” Davids said at the time.
When the Kings upset Edinburgh, it was the powerful Fijian who broke free before providing an acrobatic layoff that allowed Yaw Penxe to sprint 55m for a match-winning try.
Then, against the Cheetahs, there was another flamboyant layoff which once again allowed Penxe to race in for another spectacular try.
Earlier in the game, Rokoua was yellow-carded by referee Stuart Berry for a dangerous and high tackle on Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
Rokoua was also involved in a clash of heads which left him bloodied.
“Maybe he was a bit overexcited in one or two situations,” Davids said.
“I feel he has the vital X-factor that you sometimes need in a team to spark something from nothing.
“He did it against Edinburgh and he did it against the Cheetahs and he sparked our late comeback.”
When he arrived in Port Elizabeth, Rokoua said he loved running at pace with ball in hand against the opposition.