Training and learnings from former Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia are slowly showing in Swire Shipping Fijian Drua scrum half Frank Lomani’s game.

After been named the 2018 Player of the Year in Australia’s National Rugby Championship (NRC) Lomani and was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Flying Fijians squad in Japan.

Following that he joined the Melbourne Rebels team from 2020-2021 Super Rugby championship; that was where he rubbed shouders with Wallaby Will Genia who was regarded by many as the world’s best halfback.

Genia was the second Wallabies halfback after George Gregan to play 100-Tests for Australia.

In 2020 Lomani filled the void left by Genia for the Melbourne Rebels.

It was during the off season training sessions that the Nukubalavu, Savusavu halfback learned from the master, he and Genia were buddies and he took every opportunity to learn from Genia.

In an interview with Rebels media Lomani revealed that learning from Genia during off the season trainings helped him a lot.

“I learned a lot from the boys and personally from Willy G (Genia). He was a big help, he taught me a lot of skills and I took that away and put it into practice and I know those learnings have really helped me as a No. 9,” Lomani said.

“That’s helped me become a better player. I’ve mustered the skill, it is something I have always wanted to be among the best in that position.

“I’ve always said to myself, if Muhammad Ali can be the best in boxing, then there is nothing stopping you to be the best in your position in rugby. The only thing that obstructs our going down that pathway is our persistence, commitment and mentality.”

A glimpse of that showed when the Fijian Drua took defending Super Rugby AU champions Queensland Reds to the wire last Saturday.

Lomani who came in the second half to sub Peni Matawalu wasted no time in controlling the tempo of the game.

He called the shot of that famous move that split the Reds backline into two allowing Apisalome Vota to set up speedster Vinaya Habosi for that crucial try.

His experience and maturity showed through precise decision making and good execution.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Bryne said Lomani was a class.

“Frank is a quality player. He came in last week and started his training straight away with the Strength and Conditioning coaches,” Bryne said.

“It will be good to have Lomani in the starting lineup against the Western Force this weekend,” he said.