Swire Shipping Fijian Drua half-back Peni Matawalu is living his dream playing the sport he loves.

Matawalu loves rugby and is now living his dream- playing in the toughest rugby competition on the planet, Super Rugby Pacific.

That dream began when he used to sit in front of the television 11 years ago watching his favourite team the Queensland Reds win the Super Rugby title.

Today, the 24-year-old nippy half-back is living his dream – the reality of against his favourite Queensland Reds tonight.

Speaking to SUNsports Matawalu say’s he is excited to play against the Reds.

“I’m very excited to play against the Reds because they are my favourite team, back at home I use to cheer for the Reds whenever I watch Super Rugby,” Matawalu said.

“They were the best team in 2011 when they won Super Rugby; my favourite players include Digby Iowane, Radike Samo, Quade Cooper and my idol Will Genia.”

“It is exciting and an honour to play against the Reds, we respect them and the way they play their rugby,” he said.

“My three games in the Super Rugby have given me a lot of experience.”

“It’s always an honour to represent the Fijian Drua because I’m not only representing Fiji but my family, friends, the province of Ra and all Fijians.”

“To be named again to start against the Reds is a huge honour because I have a big role in connecting the forwards to the backline making sure that we are moving forward.”

“After the game against the Melbourne Rebels I made sure to tick all the boxes.”

Matawalu added the inclusion of Flying Fijians half-back Frank Lomani in the Fijian Drua side will boost his performance.

“For me having Lomani in the team is massive, his presence really motivates me to play well on game day.”

“He brings in a lot of experience in both the Drua and Flying Fijians and he has more caps in playing Super Rugby,” he said.

“It’s good to have Frank in the team and it’s great for me personally so that I can learn from him, it also encourages me to work hard in training to make sure that I’m selected in the final 23.”

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj