THREE top Fiji Airways Flying Fijians players are likely to miss the first June Test Series match against Samoa on Saturday. Semi Radradra, Nemani Nadolo and Timoci Nagusa are likely to miss the Flying Fijians run-on team when they take on Samoa at the ANZ Stadium.
Coach John McKee said the three players were expected to be in the country at the end of the week.
“Radradra flies into the country on Sunday whereas Nadolo and Nagusa are expected to jet into the country on Friday,” McKee said.
The team had a contact run yesterday with Henry Seniloli, at halfback, Ben Volavola as fly half, Jale Vatubua at inside centre and Sevanaia Galala who is expected to make his debut this weekend was slotted at outside centre, Vereniki Goneva and Benidito Masilevu on the wings and Kini Murimurivalu at fullback.
Leone Nakarawa and Vereniki Goneva joined the team’s run yesterday after both players scooped individual awards at their own clubs and the premiership in Europe last month.
Nakarawa said he had always had the passion and love to represent the country if needed.
“I am grateful to be part of the team especially with some new players in the team and I’m keen to play alongside these players,” Nakarawa said.
The European Player of the Year for 2018 has also mapped out his plan in representing Fiji in rugby 7s.
“At the moment I am focusing on these three matches and after that I will then march into camp for the Fiji 7s team for the world cup next month,” said Nakarawa.
Meanwhile Vereniki Goneva said the opportunity to represent Fiji was always his priority.
“I want to thank the Almighty for this opportunity and I am blessed to be part of the team and I am ready to play in any position given because I can see some new faces in the team, so I can play anywhere in the field,” Goneva said.
“Taking on Samoa this weekend will be a challenge but for me I know I’m ready to represent my country at any position given.”
The final line-up against Samoa will be announced on Thursday.
Fiji takes on Samoa at 3.30pm, Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva
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