Jackson considers local players

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson says, players from the Skipper Select side will have every­thing to play for when they face them in Lau­toka, next month.

Jackson said the trial would give him a chance to assess potential call-ups, especially with injuries an ongoing reality during the season.

"Absolutely, there are two reasons we're do­ing it," he said.

"Obviously for a hit-out, but also for the fu­ture of the Drua.

"At any time, we can have injuries in our squad, and we'll need to call-up players. So, it's really important for them to have a great game and for us to see what talent is around."

The Rupeni Nasiga-coached Skipper Select squad reported to camp on Tuesday and had their first training session at the HPU Gym at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.

"After the Coral Coast Sevens, a lot of those guys will be playing, so they'll be fit," Jack­son said.

"We know it's going to be a great battle - the Battle of Fiji. It's exactly what we need for our last pre-season hit out.

"We're looking forward to hopefully attract a big crowd. There's two-for-one deal with the Moana Pasifika match and the Skipper Select trial, so hopefully we'll see a great turnout and a great product for Fijians to watch."

Jackson said training had been tough, but the squad remained injury-free for now.

"We're pretty lucky, actually. Frank is com­ing back from surgery, and he's back to 100 per cent," he said.

"We're all pretty good at the moment, fit and ready to go."

Fixtures:

■ Friday, January 30: Chiefs v Fijian Drua (trial- Mt Maunganui)

■ Friday, February 6: Fijian Drua vs Skip­per Select XV (trial - Lautoka)

■ Sat, Feb 14: Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasi­fika (season opener- Lautoka)