Imports on the way

Import players from Fiji are already a talking point among rugby league clubs and supporters on the island and proving to be a handful for their opponents and more are on their way to the island.

Import players from Fiji are already a talking point among rugby league clubs and supporters on the island and proving to be a handful for their opponents and more are on their way to the island.

Three of the country’s shining league players have secured three month contracts in the Cook Islands according to a report in yesterday’s Fiji Times, and they will no doubt be keenly watched by local die-hard league fans.

Vodafone Fiji Bati representatives Ilisavani Jegesa, who is currently training with the Fiji Warriors side preparing for the Pacific Rugby Cup, Kinoya Sea Eagles utility Iliesa Cakau and Makoi Bulldogs utility Sisa Balekolo will fly out of the country next week.

The trio will miss the Four Nations qualifying match against Samoa in April.

Fiji national league development officer Jo Dakuitoga said the trio’s profiles impressed the Cook Islands’ club.

“One will be centre, wing and fullback,” Dakuitoga said.

“This is the fruit of our development plan. We want to continue sending players overseas to be exposed at international level.”

He said Jegesa, Cakau and Balekolo were part of the Fiji Residents elite squad preparing for the match against Samoa.

Jegesa was also training with the Warriors side.

Warrior team manager Joe Brown confirmed to the Fiji Times that Jegesa had not been attending training.

Dakuitoga said the trio will fly out next week and that their visas and plane tickets are ready.

“We just want to wish them a good outing in the Cooks Islands and hope they gain valuable experience there.”