ROBUST RUGBY UNION FORWARD SWITCHED RUGBY LEAGUE

Robust forward Tevita Tuiloa has been included in the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games in Cook Islands.

Tuiloa the younger brother of Malakai Tuiloa, who represented Fiji Bati at last years RLWC, is set to make the heads turn around in Rugby League.

Tuiloa played Rugby Union last year for National Under-20 team at the Junior World Cup in Ireland.

Tuiloa switched code to play Rugby League during the FNRL sevens tournament over the weekend at Suva Grammar School Grounds. His superb performance has earned him a spot in the Bati training squad.

“He played a good game during the trials,” said FNRL administrative officer Rusiate Ratakele.

“Tuiloa played well in the forwards breaking the line of defense of the opponent team, he is a good prospect to play Rugby League,” said Ratakele.

“Tuiloa was very keen to join Rugby league and we are happy to include him in the Bati squad,” said Ratakele.

“We have named sixty-seven players after the trials on Saturday to prepare for the Pacific Mini Games.

“Nine players have played at last years Rugby League World Cup in Australia are also included in the squad,” said Ratakele.

Ratakele said before the start of the Rugby League sevens tournament they would finalize final member team for the tournament.

Fiji Bati Squad: Western Conference- Iliesa Fonolahi , Inosi Ratete, Bill Tukana , Sakeasi Gauna , Alipate Senikauciri , Josateki Sovau, Saimoni Livalivailagi, Livai Saukuru , Iliesa Takubu , Viliame Rakuli , Jone Sariri , Ilisoni Vono, Semisi Tora, Esira Dokoni , Epeli Soro , Suliasi Nawaqa, Meli Ratu, Taniela Vatunitu, Mesulame Volau , Peni Botiki , Saimoni Raululu,Osea Sadrau , Jone Yacadrau, Seruvi Ralulu , Waisale Tora , Timoci Yauvoli , Solomoni Qetia , Netava Rokoliwa, Sanaila Tuivuna , Sailosi Vakacegu

Eastern Conference- Waisale Suka , Sevanaia Koroi , Joesefa Saravaki , Apisai Masikerei , Jope Tuivanuavou , Marika Koroivui, Apakuki Mate , Nemani Suguturaga, Jone Saukuru , Serelino , Iliesa , Etuate , Semi Cakau , Toga Rokodi , Vula Naqau , Kemueli  Naqau , Metui Tale , Jovilisi Tawake , Jovilisi Taira , Taito Rabo , Netani Tikoisuva , Malakai Tuiloa , Tevita Tuiloa , Josua Koroibulu , Joe Vueti , Amena Soko , Fero Tabakisuva , Etika Rokobuli , Eliki Ledua , Sailosi Kuru , Atu Turagaiviu, Jim Patrick , Pio Tabua, Lasaro Tikoidrau, Iowane Divavesi , Jone Wesele