Elusive Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwariki, has left a lasting impression in his first Super Rugby Pacific season.

Commonly referred to as Iosefo Masi, he has been nominated in two categories in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific awards.

Winning is determined through voting by fans (refer to QR).

The 25-year-old is one of the nine nominees in the Most Valuable player (MVP) of the season among Crusaders’ Richie Mo’unga, Damian Mackenzie, Levi Aumua, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Mark Telea, Shaun Stevenson and Carter Gordon.

The Waitabu, Taveuni native was also nominated in the breakout stars category. Nominees include Fijian-born and Chiefs winger Eremasi Narawa, Corey Toole, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Cam Rogiard, Max Jorgensen, Christian Lio-Willie and Zach Kibirige.

He was the fans’ player of the match three times this season; they were during his debut, Round 4 and Round 14 and was Hoover man of the match in their 47-46 win against Moana Pasifika in Round 14 at Churchill Park, Lautoka where he scored a hat trick; likewise in their 38-28 win over Rebels in Suva.

Masi signed up with the Drua after a stint with Australian National Rugby League (NRL) club North Queensland Cowboys.

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Story by: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj