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Fiji Time: 8:18 PM on Wednesday 22 May

/ Front page / Sport

Game plan needed

Arin Kumar
Wednesday, September 26, 2012

A SUITABLE game plan is the only major concern for the East teams as it prepares to reclaim the State of Origin title tomorrow.

West won the title in 2010 and since no challenge was played last year, the East team is out to restore lost pride.

A total of 34 players have been named from the Eastern Inter-zone competition last weekend.

Nine players from the Vodafone Cup winning side Makoi Bulldogs have been named in the squad.

Assistant coach Maika Vunivere said the players had fitness but it would need a little bit more work.

But he admitted the main problem for the side will be a winning game plan.

"We only have two days to work out a game plan as the team was named on Monday and we only have Tuesday and Wednesday for training and the game is on Thursday," the former Fiji Bati said.

"We have been given a young team to work with and it is good for these young players to play in such competitions so they are exposed to tough competition."

Vunivere said winning the title would be a tough task because the teams from the west were strong contenders in the Vodafone Cup competition.

"The message to the boys for the challenge will be to play to the best of their abilities.

"Also we will tell them to do everything right on the field so that there are no room for regrets because once we do something wrong, then we will regret it," he said.

The following players have been selected for the East team for the State of Origin Challenge in Ra tomorrow:

Team one: Kitione Rasotale, Suli Talakai, Karalo (Coral Coast), Ilisavani Josese, Josaia Nadulevu, Ropate Labalaba, Emoni Batibasaga, Apisai Masikerei, Apenisa Cokanasiga, Asaeli Saravaki, Staeki Umu, Sitiveni Ralogaivau, Iliesa Cakau.

Reserves: Atunaisa Turagiviu, Vili Mata, Filipe Puamau and Lemeki Ravuso.

Team Two: Elia Nagodra, Nagata (Coral Coast), Akapusi Voliti, John May, Kilive Foleka, Channel Panapasa, Akuila Senibici, Ilikena Niumataiwalu, Viliame Koyamaibole, Aborisi Delainoali, Eliki Ledua, Apenisa Canasa, Tevita Ratoto.

Reserves: T. Waibalavu, Semi Cakau, Samu Kunanitu, Malakai Tuiloa.