Mataele to help lift Drua standard

Former Crusaders winger Manasa Mataele is excited for this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season as he set to debut for the Fijian Drua. 

He said his move to return home was always in the pipeline. 

“It’s exciting for me. Coming back home was always something I wanted and it’s literally like playing for Fiji,” Mataele said.

Mataele brought his experience from winning Super Rugby with the Crusaders and from his time with the Western Force and Chiefs. 

“Winning was one of the goals for me last year and getting to do that was awesome,” the 29-year-old said. 

“I want to help lift the Drua standards and add to what is already in place.”

He admitted he had personal expectations as well as team goals. 

“For me it’s just focusing on what I can control and hopefully it flows into the team,” he said.

Mataele returned early in December to adjust to Fiji’s heat and training environment.

“I decided to come in early just for that reason, adapting to the weather. 

He added that he was still getting used to the conditions but was excited to be back. 

Mataele said he hoped his performances with Drua would earn him a chance to wear the Fiji jersey again.

“For me it’s putting on a performance on the field that will hopefully give the coaches a nod and that is the goal for next year,” he said.

He understood the challenge of competing for position with a month to go for the season to kick off. 

“Competition is good, not just for a team, but as individuals,” Mataele said. 

“That’s the only way this team is going to grow, by continuing to challenge each other and fighting for the jersey.”

The Drua will host Moana Pasifika in Round 1 at Church