Fiji Airways Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula said the 2018 Australian National Rugby Championship will be tougher than last year.

After making the semifinal on debut last year, the 2018 mission is to reach the final or win the 8-team competition.

“Australian teams know how we play now and they will be ready for us. We need to lift our preparation to another level as its going to be tough,”Seruvakula said.

“We just need to focus on what we do in our first game. It’s a home game and we need to have a good start.”

Seruvakula confirmed that halfback Peni Matawalu suffered an ankle injury.

“He is in rehab and will join camp start next week.”

The squad is currently camping in Nadi and host the Melbourne Rising on September 1 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

2018 NRC Fixtures For Fiji Airways Fijian Drua

Round one: September 1 Fiji Drua v Melbourne Rising, Nausori, Ratu Cakobau Park, 3pm;

Round two: September 8 Fiji Drua v Brisbane City, Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Round three: September 15Queensland Country v Fiji Drua, Mackay, BB Print Stadium, 1pm.

Round four: September 23 Sydney v Fiji Drua, Sydney, Concord Oval, 3.00pm.

Round five: September 29 Fiji Drua v NSW Country Eagles, Nausori, Ratu Cakobau Park, 3.00pm.

Round six: October 6 Fiji Drua v Canberra Vikings, Lautoka, Churchill, 3.00pm.

Round seven: October 13 Western Force v Fiji Drua, Perth, UWA Sports Park, 200pm

Semifinals:  October 20 1st v 4th, October 21 2nd v 3rd

The final will be played on Saturday October 27.

Fiji Airways Drua  Extended Squad:

Forwards – Eroni Mawi, Joeli Veitayaki, Mateo Qolisese, Ratunaisa Navuma, Mesulame Dolokoto, Vugakoto Veremalua, Mosese Ducivaki, Luke Tagi, Alivereti Rabukawaqa, Tevita Naqali, Peni Naulago, Albert Tuisue, Mosese Voka, Johnny Dyer Jone Navori, Filimoni Seru, Eremasi Radrodro, Peni Raidre.

Backs – Serupepeli Vularika, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Alivereti Veitokani, Jone Manu, Cyril Reece, Jona Sawailau, Poasa Waqanibau, Apisalome Vota, Asesela Atunaisa, Avete Daveta, Levani Kurumudu, Aporosa Tabulawaki, Apisalome Waqatabu, Enele Malele.

Edited by Osea Bola

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