Vuata Karawalevu will get his big break when he runs on the wing for the Fiji Bati against Italy during their Rugby League World Cup match in Newcastle.
The match, the second for both teams, will be held at Kingston Park with Italy going in with a win over Scotland and Fiji a disappointing defeat to Australia.
Karawalevu, 21, will replace Mitieli Vulimaijapani on the wing. Also forcing his way into the starring XIII is Hull KR prop Korbin Sims, who is playing in his second RLWC campaign.
Sims comes in for Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, who moves to the bench, forcing France-based Jowasa Drodrolagi out of the starting 13. Captain and center Kevin Naiqama will play alongside Karawalevu to help settle the nerves of the young winger.
Sunia Turuva returns to his place at fullback. Semi Valemei and Maika Sivo will man the left flanks with Viliame Kikau the enforcer inside.
Joshua Wong, who had an outstanding game against Australia, is the right edge forward.
Apisai Koroisau is at hooker with Tui Kamikamica and Sims the props.
Fiji Bati interim coach Wise Kativerata said Karawalevu was given a chance to start after an impressive 10 minutes against England in a warm-up match to the RLWC.
“I think it’s time we groom the young ones and look to the future,” Kativerata said.
“Vuate is a young kid coming in with a rugby union background. I followed him while he was still at school in Marist and he’s done well for himself.”
Kativerata said he wanted to blood the young guns in the side for the future.
“We’ve got to build something now. Fiji rugby league cannot rely on all NRL (National Rugby League) players because most of them pulled out. So, lucky enough the young kids have stepped up.”
The Fiji v Italy match will be held on Saturday (Sunday Fiji time) with kick-off at 2.30pm (1.30am FT).
- Team: 1-13 – Sunia Turuva, Maika Sivo, Kevin Naiqama (c), Semi Valemei, Vuate Karawalevu, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Braydon Wakeham, King Vuniyayawa, Api Koroisau, Tui Kamikamica, Viliame Kikau, Joshua Wong, Korbin Sims.
- Replacements: 14-18 – Penioni Tagituimua, Ben Nakubuwai, Taniela Sadrugu, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, Netane Masima (18th man).
