Elia Canakaivata is happy to be the 12th man in the Fiji Airways 7s team for the Central Coast Sevens this weekend.

He is among the three new players which includes Alekesio Vakarorogo, and Apenisa Cakaubalavu.

The Navunisole, Tailevu, native plays for the Waibula 7s and was identified by Fiji Airways 7s head coach Gareth Baber during the Natovi 7s in August.

“I am happy to be part of the team, it’s a dream come true. I can’t express how grateful I was when named to be the 12th man.

“There is a lot of competition in the forwards with veterans Paula Dranisinukala, Jasa Veremalua and Apisai Domolailai.  My target is to be part of the series and always aim to be the 12th man.

“I thank the senior players in the team for their motivation and words of encouragement. But to be honest I’m really grateful to come this far. I thank coach Gareth Baber for giving me this chance.”

The 21-year old plays flanker for Northland in the local provincial rugby competition.

He thanked his family, Northland rugby and villagers in Navunisole for always pushing him that there is more to be just an ordinary village boy.

“This is a good break for me, this is an opportunity for me to prove myself.”

The Fiji Airways 7s side leads Pool B with Sunnybank, Australian University and New South Wales.

Edited by Osea Bola

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