Former Vodafone Fijian 7s rep and Olympian Masivesi Dakuwaqa has switched to rugby league. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday from Australia, Dakuwaqa confirmed he had officially switched code and anticipated

by anasilini ratuva, suva

Masivesi Dakuwaqa.

Former Vodafone Fijian 7s rep and Olympian Masivesi Dakuwaqa has switched to rugby league.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday from Australia, Dakuwaqa confirmed he had officially switched code and anticipated an exciting journey with the NRL club Canberra Raiders.

“I arrived in Sydney on Friday and will fly to Canberra on Sunday,” Dakuwaqa said.

“I will have a medical check on Monday and will also start training. I’m looking forward and excited on this new journey.”

Fiji National Rugby League operations manager Josateki Savou said it was a positive change for the Cakova, Moala native.

“Dakuwaqa has finally come back home. I’m sure he will be able to survive with the Raiders, the change is good for him and that’s why he has made this decision,” Savou said.

“He started playing rugby league with Davuilevu Knights and switched to Union and he’s back where he started.

“He’s got the talent and I’m sure he will do everyone proud.”

Dubbed as ‘Sharkie’, he made his international debut in rugby sevens in Las Vegas last year and was also part of the Fijian 7s rugby team in the 2016 Rio Olympics where they won a gold medal thrashing Great Britain 43-7 in the final.

Five Fiji U18 team scouted

It was also confirmed by Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League official Lai Corerega that five Fiji U18 players had been named by Raiders scouts.

This was after they played the Raiders Development team where they drew 32-32.

“After our first game of the Australia tour, officials from Canberra Raiders wanted five of our players.

“We will disclose the names once all the paper work has been done. We will have talks with their parents and getting all documents in order,” Corerega said.

Meanwhile, the Fijian U18 team ended their tour on a high note after winning their final two games in Sydney.

The Fijians defeated Bulldogs Development 18-14 and the Australian Fijian Schoolboys 22-10.

“It was a successful Aussie tour and we want to thank the families, friends, schools and the Fiji National Rugby League for their support,” Corerega said.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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