As the NRL expands, so too does international rugby league, as five more Fijian locals have signed with the Wests Tigers (4 in total) and the Penrith Panthers (1 in total), to improve the Fijian contingent.
Nemia Cavuilati, an Under-18 Utility back from Sila Central High School, Peniasi Uluvulu, a lock forward from Nasinu Secondary School and Ratu Emori Tuisese and Mateo, a duo from the Queen Victoria School, will all be joining the Wests Tigers.
The quartet will officially join the club during the Tigers off-season, as they look to make their mark.
Sakeo Raloa, a winger also from Nasinu Secondary School has signed a three-year deal with the Penrith Panthers.
Raloa will look to emulate the success of his former team-mate Marika Koroibete who is now at the Tigers – with Raloa rated as the better of the two.
Joe Rabele, Fijian National Rugby League Development Officer, says that Raloa is talented enough to impress for the Penrith Panthers in the Toyota Cup.
“Yes, Raloa has signed a three-year contract with the Panthers. He will start from the Toyota Cup just like Koroibete. They played together in Nasinu and I believe Sakeo has what it takes to be another star of the code in the future,” Rabele said.
“According to their teachers in Nasinu, Sakeo is the better player compared to Marika. I believe that Sakeo will have a bright future with the Panthers.
“He is a good player with alot of skills and we have been training him every week here at our gym.”