Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn was full of praises for Fijian winger Filipo Daugunu. The former Labasa goalkeeper has signed another two-year Super Rugby contract with the Reds yesterday, hours before he was named into the Queensland Country side to face the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua in today’s National Rugby Championship clash.

“It’s been a good first year for Filipo,” Thorn told Fox Sports.

“He knows he has plenty of development to go and it is exciting to think what he could achieve once he reaches his full potential.

“He was pretty raw when he joined us, but he offers genuine pace and excitement in attack and he’s not afraid to get physical either. He will only get better the more he trains and works on his game.”

Also joining Daugunu were fullback Aidan Toua, centre Chris Feauai-Sautia and hook­er Alex Mafi who signed on for a year.

SEIB MAKES CHANGES

Meanwhile, Country head coach Rod Seib yesterday named his side for today’s clash against the Fijian Drua at BB Print Sta­dium. Five changes have been made to the starting side that claimed a one-point win over the Melbourne Rising in Townsville last weekend.

In the frontrower, Wests hooker Efi Ma’afu will earn his first start of 2018, seeing Alex Casey shift to the reserves, while Harry Wil­son will earn his starting debut at blindside flanker in what will be his third NRC ap­pearance.

With Queensland Reds flanker Liam Wright ruled out for the remainder of the NRC with a hamstring injury, 18-year-old Tom Kibble, who was part of GPS’ Hospital Challenge Cup premiership side, will make his Coun­try and NRC debut in the No.7 jersey.

In the backs, Sunshine Coast junior Tate McDermott will make his NRC starting de­but at scrumhalf, seeing James Tuttle shift to the reserves, and Daugunu to start on the wing.

In the reserves, Souths enforcer Sunia Finefeuaiki is in line for his potential NRC and Country debut, having been named as backrow cover.

“So far we’ve had a solid start to the season, but results over the first two weekends indi­cate that we’re in for our biggest challenge this weekend,” said Seib.

“The Drua have recorded big scores against Melbourne and Brisbane City, and they have attacking threats across the park. Defence will be key for us this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to heading to an­other Country region this weekend in Mac­kay. As a squad we talk about representing country Queensland as a whole, and the team had a great weekend in Townsville last weekend.

“Our match forms part of the Mackay grand final weekend, with the local decider taking place after our match. We’re look­ing forward to getting involved in the local rugby community and sharing what will be a massive day of rugby with them.”

The clash kicks-off at 3pm (Fijian time) and will be shown on Sky Pacific.

LINE-UP

1. Harry Hoopert, 2. Effi Ma’afu, 3. James Slipper, 4. Harry Hockings, 5. Angus Blyth, 6.Harry Wilson, 7. Tom Kibble, 8. Angus Scott-Young, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Ham­ish Stewart, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Duncan Paia’aua, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Jock Camp­bell, 15. Tom Lucas

Reserves: 16. Alex Casey, 17. Richie Asiata, 18. Jake Simeon, 19. Michael Wood, 20. Sunia Finefeuiaki, 21 .James Tuttle, 22.Tony Hunt, 23. Patrick James

Edited by Osea Bola

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