MILLARD RETURN – Daryl Millard made his return to the NRL after five seasons in the Super League in the UK and France. In his return, he made a try assist, a line break assist, ran 36 metres from seven runs and made 18 tackles in South Sydney Rabbitohs loss to Parramatta Eels

NAIQAMA – Kevin Naiqama played his part in a near upset of the Bulldogs by Wests Tigers who lost 25-24. The Bati member ran over 107 metres from 12 runs with two tackle breaks and made 10 tackles (proving his defensive ability despite being on the wing)

UNSTOPABBLE 1 – Aquila Uate was indeed unstoppable in Newcastle Knights 26 to 14 ‘upset’ of high flyers Penrith Panthers. Uate scored his 99th career Knights try in the 53rd minute, but his 140 metres (most of the match) from 12 runs, seven tackle breaks and two line-breaks (most of the match) were his strongest contributions for the Knights, who now lead the NRL after four rounds.

UNSTOPABBLE 2 – some Marika magic was well and truly on display once again for the Melbourne storm in their Golden Point loss to the NQ Cowboys. Koroibete scored what could end up being one of the tries of the NRL season with a lightning 100m effort at 28 minutes. He managed a massive 205m (13 runs), three tackle breaks and one line-break

API AWESOME – Apisai Koroisau was given an opportunity after the NRL’s in-form hooker James Segeyaro was withdrawn late with minor injury and Api delivered. In 62 minutes, Api made 42 tackles, 71m from 10 runs and 5 tackle breaks – providing a great performance in attack and defence. It could well be a “good headache” to have for coach Ivan Cleary! Api is named 18h man for this weekend, but it remains to be seen if he is dropped off the bench or if Segeyaro will be withrawn late again.

RCG – Regan-Campbell Gillard is improving with every game he has played since his debut in round one for the Panthers. From 46 minutes, he made 113 metres from 15 runs, 30 tackles, one tackle-break and one off-load in Panthers.

SIMS – Unfortunately no NRL match news for Tariq and Korbin at the Knights, but Tariq Sims returns for this first match back from suspension against Eto Nabuli’s Dragons, while currently suspended Korbin should line-up with his brother the week after.

BUKUYA – Jayson last round was dropped to the bench, so had a limited 16 minutes for the Sharks against the Titans, so was able to contribute eight tackles, 31 metres in four runs and a tackle-break in this time.

FIJIAN V FIJIAN – Eto Nabuli didn’t score a try, largely due a more defensive game, but he had a hand in Dragons 12 to 4 upset win over the Manly Sea Eagles with 116 metres from 12 runs and 2 tackle breaks. Meanwhile, young Fijian-Australian, Brayden Wiliame again featured in the place of Jamie Lyon at centre for the Sea Eagles, scoring a 59 minute try (76 metres, nine runs and two tackle-breaks).

PACIFIC ‘BRUISE BROTHERS’ – Kane Evans is apart of what seems to be a formidable and daunting ‘Pacific’ forward bench-trio of Evans (Fiji), Taukeiaho (Tonga) and Napa (Cook Islands) for the Sydney Roosters – all have Pacifc heritage, big, strong and even agile. Bati representative, Evans had increased time of 41 minutes, which enabled him to have an increased workload of 81 metres (9 hit-ups), two tackle-breaks and 28 tackles in the Roosters 34 to 6 thumping of the Canberra Raiders (who were without Sisa Waqa).

Fijians of the Week

Intrust Super Cup

Former Bati rep, Semi Tadulala scored for Northern Pride in their 18-10 loss, showing he still has the right touch and turn of speed.

VB NSW Cup

Young Fijian-Australian centre Fabian Goodall, who played for Fiji Bati against Lebanon late in 2014, continued his early pre-season and NSW up form with another try in Wentworthville Magpies (Parramatta Eels affiliate) 18 to 16 victory over Illawarra Cutters (Dragons affiliate).

Other competitions (NSWRL)

Aaron Groom could well be putting his hand up for another Bati halves or bench utility jumper, after scoring his forth try in the last two RM Cup games (a third tier competition) for Asquith Magpies in their 30 to 22 victory against Concord Burwood Wolves.

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