UNSTOPPABLE SEMI TRAILER – that’s one way to describe Radradra’s performance in NRL Round One for Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles. The Fiji Bati winger had three tries, four line breaks, 141 metres and seven tackle breaks on his way to making the ‘NRL: Round 1: Team of the Week’ seventeen.

UNTOUCHABLE BUNNIES – Fijian-Australian John Sutton again put in another solid match for the premiers, who seem to be untouchable at the moment. He put in a regulation forward barge over try in the 44th minute, lead the Rabbitohs tackle count (24 tackles in 69 minutes), had three tackle breaks and one line break.

UATE – He didn’t score for Newcastle Knights, but was still outstanding in a quite destructive Knights backline with 144 metres, one try assist, five tackle breaks, 1 line break, 2 offloads and 1 line break assist. Uate could be in for a big year if Knights continue this form.

KORBIN – Korbin Sims was solid in his 39 minutes – running for 93 metres (100+ for full game is considering good), making 18 tackles and one offload with more game fitness and time under his belt, he could become one of the more damaging young props in the game.

KEVIN NAIQAMA – in a more defensive orientated game, the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans backs were largely quiet, aside from the likes of Richards, Roberts and Mead. Fiji Bati Kevin Naiqama who is looking to secure a regular NRL starting position at his new club had 84 metres gained.

14 Tackles in 14 Minutes! – with a few forward departures prop Kane Evans has earned a spot on the bench at the Roosters, so he will get limited minutes, but the Bati member has potential to be a  damaging and workhorse prop. In only 14 minutes he made 14 tackles and 64 metres from 4 runs (with 2 tackle breaks and 1 line breaks)!

RCG – 21 year old Fiji Bati prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard made his debut on the weekend for the Penrith Panthers and he had to do it against one of the biggest and best forward packs in the NRL, the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs bench alone had four forward totalling over 466 kilograms and 3 Internationals! Despite this, Reagan put in a great debut with 17 tackles and 86 running metres (from 11 runs) in 35 minutes. Want to buy his debut jersey? Bid here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111616841286

BUKUYA – Jayson Bukuya has done well to make the starting side in his return to the Sharks from the Warriors. The second-rower has had to contend with large forward depth, but in his 49 minutes made 65 metres from 7 runs and 21 tackles.

WAQA THE WEAPON – Sisa Waqa was hailed as a ‘star signing’ at Canberra Raiders and he will deliver. Coming from Storm, as expected players tend to be overshadowed with “the big three” (Slater, Cronk and Smith) dominating Storm headlines, but under a fresh start and possible a less structured game-plan, Sisa has shown great form leading into the NRL season. In 80 minutes, Sisa scored one try, made 122 metres from 12 runs, two tackle breaks, three offloads and one line break

ETO – Eto Nabuli after two seasons in the NSW Cup at the Panthers made his NRL debut with the Dragons and he did not disappoint! In a lacklustre attacking game (4 tries scored in total), Eto scored Dragons only try in the 49 minutes from a neat grubber kick by Benji Marshall and was the only Dragons player to make a line break, while he made 109 metres from 13 runs and one tackle break.

Petero Civoniceva Medal & Fiji Bati Update from the Australian Fijian Rugby League: “The AFRL is proud to announce that all Petero Civoniceva Medal attendees will also receive a ticket to the Pacific Island double header to watch Mata Ma’a Tonga v Toa Samoa and the PNG Kumuls take on our very own Fiji Bati at CBUS Stadium, Gold Coast May 2. Stay tuned for ticket sale details to be announced this week for the PC Medal night that will be held in Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on May 1 where the Fiji Bati squad will be in attendance and all proceeds from the event will go to the Australian Fijian Rugby League High Performance Academy.”

Follow Fiji NSW Cup Rugby League or Australian Fijian Rugby League for more details soon.

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