NAITASIRI’S long-serving No.10 Etonia Rokotuisawa has broken into the Flying Fijians frame, earning his maiden call-up to the national extended squad.
The experienced playmaker is one of eight new faces named in the 68-member Fiji Water squad for the October 24 Test against Japan and the November Northern Tour.
Rokotuisawa has been a long-standing figure in the Naitasiri backline, steering the side through multiple Skipper Cup campaigns and taking responsibility for game management and goal-kicking duties.
His composure under pressure was on show last year when he landed a late penalty to seal Naitasiri’s thrilling 27-25 victory over Suva and retain the INKK Farebrother Trophy.
The No 10 has also earned opportunities outside the provincial arena.
Earlier this year, Rokotuisawa was named starting fly-half for the Skipper Select XV against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, giving him a chance to operate against players accustomed to the pace and intensity of professional rugby.
That experience has now been followed by his maiden Flying Fijians call-up.
Rokotuisawa is the second Skipper Cup player included in the extended squad, alongside Nadroga’s Kavekini Boselawa.
The wider group also includes former Kaiviti Silktails representative Watisoni Waqanisaravi, former England No 8 Nathan Hughes, Josefa Namosimalua, Semi Lagivala, Maleli Nauvasi and former Fiji 7s representative Setareki Bituniyata.
For Naitasiri, Rokotuisawa’s selection brings one of the province’s established players into the national frame and it also gives the fly-half an opportunity to train alongside Fiji’s established internationals as the Flying Fijians prepare for Japan.
Rokotuisawa will now compete for involvement in the match-day squad, with the No10 position among the areas where players will be looking to secure their places.
After years in the provincial game, the Naitasiri fly-half has reached the next stage of his rugby journey, and the Japan Test will be the first major target as he looks to turn his maiden call-up into a place in the Flying Fijians match-day 23.
