Peceli Nacebe is ready to face a baptism of fire in the opening match of the National Rugby Championships tomorrow.

The Fiji Airways Drua take on Brisbane City at Ballymore at 5pm.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named the BLK Nadroga first five–eighth Nacebe at fullback.

The side will be up against a strong City team which includes Wallabies Samu Kerevi, Quade Cooper and Kane Evans.

The Mavua native has been learning a lot since he joined the Senirusi Seruvakula-coached side.

“I have learnt a lot and there is always more room to learn from the best,” he said.

“I expect a baptism of fire if I play Brisbane City. I have always admired the Wallabies and Reds pivot Quade Cooper and it will be great playing against him.”

A policeman by profession, he knows he will face tough competition from Kini Douglas.

“My aim this year is to step up from the Skipper Cup and HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge competitions,” Nacebe said.

“I’ve achieved that and the onus is on me to step up and lift my game.”

Nacebe played for Nadroga Under-20 in 2015 and made his debut in the senior side in the 2016 Skipper Cup competition.

The same year he featured for eventual Oceania winner Fiji at the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2016

His uncle is former Nadroga rep Banuve Vesilaulau.

His father Kaliova Tasikia, 49, is proud of Nacebe’s achievement.

“When he started playing rugby in Vatukoula and later attended Ratu Kadavulevu School, I told him he could be playing for Fiji in future. I’m happy for him.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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