FORMER Fiji Airways national 7s team assistant coach Saiasi Fuli says the Tuimaba’s time to shine needs more development to become a complete rugby player.
Fuli and former national 7s skipper Isake Katonibau identified Tuimaba’s talents and recommended the former rugby league rep’s name to Fiji 7s head coach Gareth Baber to cover for the outgoing Eroni Sau.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s head coach said Tuimaba was always a starter for the Army team ahead of speedster Alosio Naduva.
“I asked Ice’s (Katonibau) opinion on Tuimaba and he simply said “secure” before putting his name across,” said Fuli.
“That’s a positive response because Baber did try his best to find a quality replacement for Eroni Sau.
“Tuimaba was outstanding when he played for his 3FIR team during the inter unit competition at Queen Elizabeth Barracks ground.
“He is always a starter for Army green 7s team ahead of Naduva so it’s not surprise for someone who started from rugby league in the West, joined the army and waiting for the right time to get a breakthrough.”
Fuli said the Fiji 7s rep had all the qualities needed for a winger and had been working hard at training.
“There are so many talented wingers in Fiji but we need to find the right balance for someone who can weave his magic in attack and solid in defence.
“That’s what we saw at the RFMF ground. He was named for the Army Sukuna Bowl team and smashed a 22 in the yoyo test and just need more physical development.
“So his name was put across to Baber. In one of Army’s warm-up game against Fire and under the watchful eye of the CEO John O’connor saw Tuimaba score three long range tries. That adds value in justifying his name for selection. The rest is history.”
The former national halfback said with more training and development Tuimaba would be at the top of his game at the upcoming HSBC World Rugby 7s leg in New Zealand and Australia.
“As for the future, Tuimaba needs more physical development and adjusting his tackling technics, most times he tackled with his head down which is against the safety tackle tech.
“Once he gets that right, he will gradually improve and a nemesis in defence. We will see a lot more from him in the coming months and from a player who is smashing 21-22 in the yoyo test at the beginning of the season, from a fitness point of view he will hit peak come January and February which is good for him.
“As for now, consistency and hard work will be his main focus for the remaining legs,” Fuli added.
