Naisewa to Captain Fijiana Drua’s Super W Campaign

Burly Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua No.8 Karalaini Naisewa will captain the side in their bid to retain the Super W title for the third consecutive year.

The strong running Naisewa got the nod to lead the side from Drua head coach Mosese Rauluni. Assisting Naisewa is prop Mereoni Vonosere and centre Vani Arei.

Rauluni named his Match 23 squad for their Super W opener against Reds at the Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

The squad includes two debutants - Unaisi Lalabalavu and Merewairita Neivosa are in the starting line-up. Six potential debutants have been named on the bench. They are Loraini Senivutu, Salanieta Nabuli, Tiana Robanakadavu, Aviame Veidreyaki, Merewai Nasilasila and Atelaite Ralivanawa.

In the starting 15, Rauluni has named a strong front row with the experienced Anasimeci Korovata at loosehead prop, Lalabalavu to make her debut at hooker and Vonosere at tighthead. In the second row is Mereoni Nakesa who will partner the experienced Jade Coates.

New squad member Teresia Tinanivalu comes in as blindside flanker to pair Sulita Waisega at openside with Naisewa at No.8.

An interesting battle looms as Reds has named former Drua forward Doreen Narokete at No.8 for the clash. Narokete and Naisewa played together for the Drua in their Super W wins in 2022 and 2023.

Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua No.8 Karalaini Naisewa. Photo: Leon Lord

The backline sees Evivi Senikarivi at halfback, with former North Queensland Cowboys speedster Merewalesi Rokouono slotting in at first five eight. Adita Milinia starts on the left wing to pair with Neivosa on the right wing.

An experienced centre pairing starts the first match with Merewai Cumu at inside centre and Vani Arei on the outside. At fullback is Luisa Tisolo.

The match kicks-off at 3.35pm (Fiji time)

LINE-UPS

Drua: 1. Anaseimeci Korovata, 2. Unaisi Lalabalavu, 3. Mereoni Vonosere, 4. Mereoni Nakesa, 5. Jade Coates, 6. Teresia Tinanivalu, 7. Sulita Waisega, 8. Karalaini Naisewa (c), 9. Evivi Senikarivi, 10. Merewalesi Rokouono, 11. Adita Milinia, 12. Merewai Cumu, 13. Vani Arei, 14. Merewairita Neivosa, 15. Luisa Tisolo.

Reserves: 16. Loraini Senivutu, 17. Salanieta Nabuli, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Aviame Veidreyaki, 20. Merewai Nasilasila, 21. Setaita Railumu, 22. Jeniffer Ravutia, 23.Atelaite Buna.

Reds: 1. Madi Schuck, Tiarna Molloy, 3. Charli Jacoby, 4. Deni Ross, 5. Aleena Greenhalgh, 6. Jemma Bemrose, 7. Carola Kreis, 8. Doreen Narokete, 9. Sarah Dougherty, 10. Carys Dallinger, 11. Ivania Wong, 12. Cecilia Smith (c), 13. Mel Wilks, 14. Caitlin Urwin, 15. Lori Cramer

Reserves: 17. Liz Patu, 18. Maletina Brown, 19. Ashlee Knight, 20. Haidee Head, 21. Ava Wereta, 22. Shalom Sauaso, 23. Lucy Thorpe, 24. April Ngatupuna,

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj