Tuqiri eyes World Cup spot with Fiji

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Tuqiri eyes World Cup spot with Fiji
October 24, 2012 - 11:55AM
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SUVA: Former Australia dual international Lote Tuqiri is hoping to make his swansong on the global stage with Fiji at next year's Rugby League World Cup, the team's assistant coach Joe Rabele said today.

Rabele said Tuqiri was among half a dozen current and former players from Australia's National Rugby League that the Pacific islanders hoped to field at the World Cup in Britain that starts in October next year.

The group includes retired Queensland great Petero Civoniceva, Melbourne Storm's Sisa Waqa, brothers Wes and Kevin Naiqama and Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne.

Rabele said Tuqiri, 33, the highest profile player of the group, wanted to make a final appearance for the country of his birth as he approaches the end of a career in which he represented Australia in both rugby union and rugby league.

"He wants to finish with Fiji and, at this age, with the injuries he has encountered, he will not be selected to play for Australia," Rabele told AFP.

"Lote will bring a lot of experience and will lift the morale of the team."

Hayne, just 24, still has a chance to add to his six Test caps for Australia.

Rabele said Hayne wanted to play fullback but said saw little chance of dislodging Australian incumbent Billy Slater from his favoured position so was looking at switching allegiances to Fiji.

"Like any Fijian player he likes to play where he feels relaxed and easy. Jarryd feels relaxed at fullback and he is more dangerous at fullback than on the wing," Rabele said.

Hayne played for Fiji at the 2008 World Cup, where the team made the semi-finals.

The Fijians have been drawn in a tough group that includes Australia, England and Ireland at the 2013 event.

 

[Stripes96]

If Hayne is Fijian then I'm a monkey's uncle
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[max_smart]

If Hayne is Fijian then I'm a monkey's uncle
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He is like 1/4 Fijian from memory as his dad was half. In 2008 they actually credited his time with the national team to his amazing year in '09 as he got on board with the teams religious ways and gave up the drink ETC.
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[max_smart]

Also why wouldn't Fiji want Koro over lote?
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[crusader]

If hayne plays for Fiji , is he still eligible for origin?
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[max_smart]

If hayne plays for Fiji , is he still eligible for origin?
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Should be. He's played every series since the losing streak started from recollection.
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[Yossarian]

If hayne plays for Fiji , is he still eligible for origin?
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He'd have to juggle his eligibility a little. Change his allegiance to Fiji during which time he is ineligible for NSW and then change back to Aust in time for SOO the next year. You can pull those little moves at World Cup time. Personally I think he would be helpful but not crutial to Fiji. They could still field a pretty good looking backline without him.

 

[Fraze23]

These blokes should be allowed to play for Fiji no questions asked. If Tamou can play for Australia then I don't see the problem with Fijian players who've represented Australia strengthening their squad for the World Cup.
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[everett]

As long as Lote is playing well in State Cup can't see why he can't be picked.

 

[gold_on_black]

I don't see him getting a run with
1.hayne maybe
2.koro
3.naqaima Wes ©
4.peter matautai'
5.sisa waqa

Kevin naqaima
Uate too maybe
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[gold_on_black]

I don't see him getting a run with
1.hayne maybe
2.koro
3.naqaima Wes ©
4.peter matautai'
5.sisa waqa

Kevin naqaima
Uate too maybe
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My error matautai is Samoan
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[Yossarian]

I see them playing Hayne at 5/8… The main problem Fiji have is a lack of halves to go with the backline.

1\. Lote (can't see them wasting him on the wing)
2\. Koro
3\. Wes Naiqama
4\. Waqa
5\. Kevin Naiqama
6\. Hayne

Dunno who they get to pay halfback... John Sutton??
Forwards would be okay with the Sims brothers played. Throw in Petero and England might start worrying...

 

[tig_prmz]

LOL… this is such a joke. you play for the country you were born in, the country you relate to more.. playing for two countries in 2 years.. oh god help me.

 

[Yossarian]

LOL… this is such a joke. you play for the country you were born in, the country you relate to more.. playing for two countries in 2 years.. oh god help me.

Not really much different to Union, cricket, or many other sports.

 

[BeeJay]

Is fiji an "emerging nation"? I thought the eligibility rules were a little more relaxed if the country you represent is.

 

[Snodgrass]

Is Bowraville in Fiji ?

 

[Basil_Tiger]

LOL… this is such a joke. you play for the country you were born in, the country you relate to more.. playing for two countries in 2 years.. oh god help me.

I agree,SoO should be the same,get tough,you have to be born in Qld. or NSW to play,the new Commission is looking at this but the final result will probaly be a Camel.

 

[Snodgrass]

Is Bowraville in Fiji ?

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No, that's right, it's in Queensland.

 

[innsaneink]

Good luck to Lote….he seems like a real good bloke

 

[NZTiger]

Fiji to upset England by 1 point in WC. You heard it here first!
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