Lumelume’s NRL Debut, Bati Helps Storm Wallop Sea Eagles

Isaac Lumelume is the fifth Fijian player to play for the Melbourne Storm.

The Vodafone Fijian Bati back made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut with the Storm in their 3-6 win over Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday night.

Lumelume who played at wing impressed Storm head coach Craig Bellamy.

“He [Lumelume] did a terrific job I thought,” Bellamy told NRL.com after the game

“He had a couple of games earlier – a game of sevens and a game of tens – so to come out and play like that was a big effort. He was really aggressive with his running and is following in the footsteps of Fijian wingers that have played for our club.”

Other Fijian players who have played for Storm are Sisa Waqa, Marika Koroibete, Suliasi Vunivalu and Tui Kamikamica.

Fijian Bati head coach Josaia Rabele said Lumelume played well on his debut and was Storm’s man of the match.

“It was about time for him to make his NRL debut since he has been in the Melbourne Storm squad.

“They are exposing Lumelume now since Suli Vunivalu is leaving the club at the end of the season.”

Rabele said it was great to see two young Fijian players like Lumelume and Semi Valemei making their NRL debut in the past month.

The youngsters are also considered for the Bati squad for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.

Edited by Simione Haravanua

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