Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho reminded his men to learn from Vodafone Fijian 7s winger Joeli Lutumailagi.

He said his fellow Nadroga native’s performance at the Wellington 7s last week was a brilliant show of commitment and dedication from a seasoned veteran.

He made the comment while opening the Police inter-formation two-day tournament at Nasova yesterday.

This saw teams from the Southern, Western, Eastern, Northern, Police Special Response Unit and Headquarters battle it out for top honours.

Qilliho said he wants to see the Fiji Police team regain the formidable form it was once known for in the local 7s scene.

“We have the ability to dominate the local sevens scene the way it was before; however it is going to take a lot of hard work and commitment to get us back there.

Making reference to the achievements of Special Constable Lutumailagi, Qiliho said this could be achieved by any of his men.

“Last weekend my focus was on Lutumailagi’s performance and it made me proud to be the Commissioner of Police when I saw one of my officers outran the one deemed to be the fastest in the circuit in South Africa’s Seabelo Senatla

“And for me that was the icing on the cake for the tournament.

“Lutumailagi is just like you, a Police officer. If he can stamp his name on the international arena, so can anyone of you.”

Labalaba debut, Viriviri 13th man

Nacanieli Labalaba will make his debut and veteran Samisoni Viriviri will be the 13th player at the Sydney 7s which starts today.

Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber has dropped Setareki Bituniyata, who is serving a three-match suspension.

Emosi Mulevoro, who replaced injured Amenoni Nasilasila, has also made the cut while Nemani Nagusa will be cleared to play from the second pool match against Wales after completing his six-match suspension.

Fiji take on Samoa at 11.36am, Wales at 2.42pm and France at 8.29pm.

Squad: Seremaia Tuwai, Joeli Lutumailagi, Nacanieli Labalaba, Vatemo Ravouvou, Osea Kolinisau, Alifereti Veitokani, Emosi Mulevoro, Kalione Nasoko, Jasa Veremalua, Nemani Nagusa, Mesulame Kunavula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Samisoni Viriviri

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj