Sunia Turuva and Kitione Kautoga will not feature in the Vodafone Fiji Bati’s Pacific Championship clash against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls today.
Head coach Wise Kativerata confirmed the two have been rested due to niggling injuries.
“Kitione got a back problem and Turuva has a leg injury so we decided to give them a rest as we have another game coming up. They are not serious injuries but we need to look after them.”
This has promoted other players to the match-day team.
“We got Mesake Ravonu who will debut, the youngest boy in the camp, 19-years-old from Buretu in Tailevu who signed with the Bulldogs two years ago. He is a local boy.
“Jason Qareqare from the Super League. He played against England last year in a warm up match. This will be his first Test debut. He is a young boy who played in the Super League since the age of 17,” Kativerata explained.
The team is primed for the big showdown against the Kumuls at 5pm at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Starting XIII:
1-Jahream Bula, 2-Jason Qareqare, 3-Mika Ravalawa, 4-Waqa Blake, 5-Maika Sivo, 6-Kurt Donoghoe, 7-Brandon Wakeham, 8-King Vuniyayawa, 9-Noah Nailagoliva, 10-Tui Kamikamica, 11-Apisalome Saukuru, 12-Taane Milne, 13-Caleb Navale Reserves: 14-Peni Tagituimua, 15-Gordon Whippy, 16-Mesake Ravonu, 17-Sirilo Lovokuru, 18-Pio Seci, 19-Watisoni Waqanisaravi
