Tough competition for hooker: Dolokoto

Mesulame Dolokoto understands that fighting for a spot in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua starting line-up is not easy.

The 31-year-old veteran hooker has returned to the side and is named on bench in tomorrow’s clash against the Blues.

Dolokoto played for the Development team in the curtain raiser matches against Ba and Lautoka, respectively.

“It’s been good, especially coming back from injury,” the Koroivonu, Cakaudrove man said.

“The competition for the hooker’s position is pretty tough. But we believe whoever gets the nod to play in the main team, we’ll do whatever it takes to support them.”

Zurial Togiatama and newly promoted development player Sairusi Ravudi played the position in the last two matches against Brumbies and Reds in round five and six, respectively.

The former Queen Victoria School student has played 33 Super Rugby Pacific matches so far since signing for the Drua in 2022 and has scored two tries.

His first try was against the Blues in 2022.

He co-captained the Development side last Saturday with Virimi Vakatawa as they thrashed Lautoka, 68-12.

“Good to get two games under my belt against Ba and Lautoka, just to get the feel of things and get a run. It’s a big bonus to run around with the young boys. some of the club players.

“It’s been a good mix of players in the development side. We have a few young players who are 18 and 19-years-old and seasonal players like Sakisusa (Vosayaco) from Nadroga. You have the old boys, like Vakatawa and younger boys, like myself. Everyone can learn together, the environment is such that where everyone can learn off one another.”