THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians No. 13 jumper should become an immediate priority for the incoming head coach.
Since the departure of former captain Waisea Nayacalevu, no one has truly locked down the outside centre position.
The intriguing part of this dilemma is not the lack of talent but the excess of players excelling in the position at club level.
A decade ago, Fiji barely had any of its players playing consistently in Europe or France in the position.
Today Fiji has as many outside centres plying their trade in clubs around the world who are consistently lighting up the competition.
Leading Fiji’s outside centres is Bayonne’s Sireli Maqala, labelled as the club’s “magic man” by centre partner and England international Manu Tuilagi for his ability to create something out of nothing.
Next is Iosefo Masi Baleiwairiki who brought his incredible Fijian Drua form to Lyon in the French Top 14 creating a dynamic combination with Fijian teammate and elusive winger Jiuta Wainiqolo.
Meanwhile, Alivereti Loaloa who recently extended his stay with French club ASM Clermont on the back of some impressive defensive efforts in the 13 jumper is currently leading the competition as one of the league’s top jackalers with four turnovers won.
2025/26 French Pro D2 Player of the Year Setareki Bituniyata has also placed his name in the outside centre drama winning the best player and best outside centre awards.
But the most probable choice for the November leg of the Nations Championship is former Drua winger turned centre Vinaya Habosi, who has formed a dynamic partnership with the Flying Fijians powerhouse and incumbent inside centre Josua Tuisova.
In the current Flying Fijians extended squad, Loaloa has failed to make the cut with Virimi Vakatawa, Maleli Nauvasi, Filimoni Botitu, Vuate Karawalevu, Semi Lagivala, Seta Tamanivalu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre set to battle for the position.
The outside centre dilemma will be an exciting challenge that awaits the new mentor of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
