Vodafone Flying Fijians winger, Jiuta Wainiqolo, is learning a lot from his room-mate and former Crusaders star winger Manasa Mataele.

The duo are among the wingers putting their hands up to be part of the run on side to face Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup opener at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on July 2.

“It has been like we have been friends for a long time,” the Toulon winger said.

“It is good to hear some stories about Crusaders and his team mates who are part of the All Blacks.”

Wainiqolo was a member of the Fijian men’s rugby sevens team that won the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medal.

He indicated that there is a lot of competition for the winger’s position in the team.

For the position of right winger, he has to compete against Josua Tuisova while the left wing is between Mataele and Vinaya ‘The Bossman’ Habosi.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Flying Fijians squad,” he said.

“We started strongly in the first week of camp. The boys managed their fitness and also the training sessions. We have been enjoying our first camp and preparation for the match against Tonga.

“We have to give our 100 per cent during training for the coach to select the first XVs.”

Wainiqolo said if he gets the nod to start against Tonga it would be a bonus for him.

“I would be blessed if I am given this chance to play and it will be a bonus to play in front of my family,” he added. Wainiqolo has urged Fijian rugby fans to be at the stadium to support the team.

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