Nasoko, Taliga Recovering: Byrne
Good news for fans, as our Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre, Kalioni Nasoko, will soon be back in action.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne.
Nasoko along with Serupepeli Vularika and Kitione Taliga were injured during their internal trial in Ballina, New South Wales, last month.
“There is no real concern about our midfield,” Byrne said.
“Apisalome Vota and Kalaveti Ravouvou have been playing well at that position so far and we intend to keep it that way.
“We have some good news, Kali’s knees is not as bad as we had thought so he is now in rehab. Taliga is not far away as well so we can’t wait for these Olympians to take the pitch.”
Byrne said Teti Tela would be considered for selection hopefully in round four and is expected to reinforce the midfield.
“Tela has recovered but is not ready to play. He has been training well. Tela has been carrying that injury for a long time now so we have to make sure that his body is in good shape.
“He has to get some contact so we are really not sure on when he will return.
“We are looking at certain things at this stage both those guys are doing a great job for us.
“Our priority is to give the players in the squad an opportunity before we look elsewhere.
“There is no gap to breach in our game if we keep the ball a lot more and move forward. If we get these players back than we can play our game well.”
New venue
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are going to host their Super Rugby Pacific clash against Melbourne Rebels at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland, Australia, on Friday night.
This was confirmed yesterday by Drua interim chief executive officer, Brian Thorburn.
“Our Drua will now play Melbourne Rebels at the Sunshine Coast Stadium with a sitting capacity of 11, 000,” Thorburn said.
“Suncorp Stadium is unfit to host the Drua and Rebels match due to the flooding in Brisbane.
The match kicks off at 8.45pm and will be shown live on Sky Pacific and FBC TV.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
