Lovodua Keeps Tag On Club Team-Mate

Injured Fijian Bati hooker Joe Lovodua is backing his Hull FC team-mate Mitieli Vulikijapani to keep on progressing at the Rugby League World Cup.

The Fiji outside back played on the wing against Australia last Sunday (Fiji time), making his tournament debut after featuring against England in a warm-up match earlier on.

Vulikijapani, who has been named in Fiji's 19-man-squad again, is set to line-up against Italy, tomorrow morning (1.30am Fiji time) at Newcastle Thunder's Kingston Park.

The Bati is aiming to get their World Cup campaign back on track in Group B following their 42-8 defeat to the Kangaroos.

Lovodua, meanwhile, has been keeping tabs on Vulikijapani, who replaced him in the Bati squad following a PCL knee injury that ended his season.

“I’m over the moon for Miji," Lovodua explained.

"For him to get the chance to represent Fiji at the World Cup is really special.

“It’s a great story for him, especially because he only made his rugby league debut last year. But he’s worked really hard and he deserves the opportunity.

“He’s out there testing himself against the best of the best. I’m cheering him on all the way.”

According to Hull Live, Vulikijapani is a popular member of the club, working hard and rising in the sport after making his Super League debut 16 months ago.

Still learning every game, he played 17 times for the Black and Whites this season, before getting a late call up to the Fijian side.

Australia qualifies, Scotland out

Meanwhile, still in Group B, a dazzling Test debut by Nathan Cleary and four tries to Josh Addo-Carr led the Kangaroos to an 84-0 win over Scotland in Coventry, this morning.

Three weeks after leading the Panthers to back-to-back premierships, Cleary had a personal tally of 28 points, while Addo-Carr took his tournament tally to six tries in two games as Australia racked up their biggest World Cup win since 2000.

The loss also ended Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals as they were earlier walloped 28-4 by Italy.

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