The Fiji Residents will go in as underdogs in the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea on July 4-18.

Fiji National Rugby League development officer Jo Rabele said they would select the best team during the Vodafone Nines tournament at Prince Charles Park in Nadi this Saturday.

“I believe all teams are preparing really well for the Vodafone Nines tournament and we are going to select our best local players on Saturday,”Jo Rabele said.

“ We are embarking on a four- year plan. First we will have the test match against Papua New Guinea in May  and the Pacific Games in July,” Rabele said.

As defending Pacific games champion, Rabele believes playing the PNG Kumuls would be a difficult task as rugby league is a traditional sport in PNG.

“We will go in as underdogs but we will prepare for a positive and a good outing in PNG. We know some of our toughest opponents would be PNG, Toa Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands.

“The Fiji Residents will comprise of local boys who will be ready to fight for their country,” he added.

Following the Pacific Games the Fiji Residents will prepare for the Country Rugby League Tier One tour in October. “In this four-year plan we want to produce the best local players available in the country who have the ability to represent the country with pride.”

Fiji Residents training squad:

Jone Wesele, Osea Sadrau, Nereo Cakautini, Sevanaia Koroi, Tikiko Noke, Lose Matea, Waisea Bati, Laitia Volavola, Asaeli Sorovaki, Jone Sariri, Livai Naivogo, Eddie Tomuse, Tomasi Gusuivalu, Alipate Nagata, Jonetani Yalayala, Josateki Koyamaibole, Akapusi Voliti, Apisalome Nabose, Joasa Drokilagi, Iliesa Cakau, Filipo Talei, Apenisa Canasau, Simeli Uluinakau, Simon Wise, Timoci Ratulolo, Wame Turagaivalu, Elimi Kurusiga, Joe Vetaukula, Kelevi Komaisavou, Esira Dokoni, Laitia Rogorogoivalu, Nasoni  Naquto, Semisi Qoro, Aminiasi Yaroi, Tevita (Sabeto), Samisoni Navatu, Jovilisi Naqitawa, Apisai Taoba, Filipe Koroibanuve, Epeli Ralulu, Iliesa (Narere Eels), Lambert Koroi, Iveri Lemoci, Epeli Soro, Aborosio Delaimoala, Jiuta Lutumailagi

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