Fiji Vs Samoa 2014

[RedVee]

I haven't seen a thread on this game but excuse me if there is one.

I was really looking forward to watching this game, but it now seems to be suffering due to the teams not being able to pick the same players as in the RLWC. I noticed that Tariq Sims wasn't selected for Fiji, I'm assuming because he thinks he is a chance for NSW and Aust. Now the paper has that Milford will make himself unavailable for Samoa due to Ricky wanting him to rest on the NRL break week, with that thought being amplified after a conversation with Mal Meninga.

I thought the rules had changed again and there is nothing stopping a player ripping a Pacific Island country and being available for Aust/NZ during the same season??? The so called major Nation minor Nation thing.

What's going on?

 

[stormbati]

Don't know what's going on but I can't see Fiji winning this one. Not sure why Fiji have to qualify anyway. We were 4th at both last 2 world cups.

 

[RedVee]

Yes agree, I thought that was going to be the rule - top team from RLWC to be the 4N team. But, I still think Fiji will make it.

 

[welshmagpie]

Fiji squad

Kevin Naiqama - Penrith Panthers
Marika Koroibete - Wests Tigers
Eto Nabuli - Penrith Panthers
Taqele Naiyaravoro - Wests Tigers
Semi Radradra - Parramatta Eels
Lote Tuqiri - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sisa Waqa - Melbourne Storm
Alipate Noilea - Parkes Spacemen
Kaliova Taque Tani - Ipswich Jets
Aaron Groom - Asquith Magpies
Jayson Bukuya - NZ Warriors
Atunasia Turagaiviu - Fiji Domestic
Tikiko Noke - Newcastle Knights
Osea Sadrau - Fiji Domestic
Peni Botiki - Illawarra Cutters
Kane Evans - Sydney Roosters
Vitale Junior Roqica - Cronulla Sharks
Ashton Sims - NQ Cowboys
Korbin Sims - Newcastle Knights
Apisai Koroisau - South Sydney Rabbitohs
James Storers - Collegians RL

 

[stormbati]

Fiji missing a genuine centre and a decent playmaker.
Samoa will be much stronger on paper and should be too strong.

 

[RedVee]

Fiji squad

Kevin Naiqama - Penrith Panthers
Marika Koroibete - Wests Tigers
Eto Nabuli - Penrith Panthers
Taqele Naiyaravoro - Wests Tigers
Semi Radradra - Parramatta Eels
Lote Tuqiri - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sisa Waqa - Melbourne Storm
Alipate Noilea - Parkes Spacemen
Kaliova Taque Tani - Ipswich Jets
Aaron Groom - Asquith Magpies
Jayson Bukuya - NZ Warriors
Atunasia Turagaiviu - Fiji Domestic
Tikiko Noke - Newcastle Knights
Osea Sadrau - Fiji Domestic
Peni Botiki - Illawarra Cutters
Kane Evans - Sydney Roosters
Vitale Junior Roqica - Cronulla Sharks
Ashton Sims - NQ Cowboys
Korbin Sims - Newcastle Knights
Apisai Koroisau - South Sydney Rabbitohs
James Storers - Collegians RL

I see John Sutton is still hoping for NSW & Australia. BTW that is his right as an Australian, I just thought the new rules may have lead to more fringe State players trying to do both this year.

It is good to see a couple of domestic players in the squad, hopefully they will gain something from the exposure to the NRL players and the training for this Test.

Fiji missing a genuine centre and a decent playmaker.
Samoa will be much stronger on paper and should be too strong.

I don't know, I always expect a lot from Samoa and I am frequently disappointed.

Anyone know if the Samoan squad had been named?

 

[Springs]

Apparently Milford is playing for Queensland U20s instead.

 

[roughyedspud]

theres a "sims" missing?

Fiji missing a genuine centre and a decent playmaker.

1.Naiqama
2.Nabuli
3.waqa
4.tuqiri
5.Radradra

ain't too shabby

 

[RedVee]

theres a "sims" missing?





1.Naiqama
2.Nabuli
3.waqa
4.tuqiri
5.Radradra

ain't too shabby

Yes, as per the OP, Tariq. I assume he is saving himself for NSW or Aust.

 

[Y2Eel]

When is this game on?

 

[deal.with.it]

Next saturday, May 3, 730pm, penrith

 

[Y2Eel]

is the under 20s state of origin on before?

 

[Dakink]

I think so.

 

[stormbati]

Sisa Waqa out injured. Not sure what happened to Wes Naiqama?

 

[Scubby]

This is taking the p**s surely? Milford is going to turn out in an under 20s curtain raiser to the Samoa-Fiji test. This obsession with Origin over international football is a disgrace and getting out of hand. Why doesn't every player in the NRL and SL just declare for NWS/QLD and Australia and let's be done with it! We could have a two-state rugby league series sitting right up there with the Olympics and Soccer World Cups.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...under20s-and-bypass-samoa-20140426-zqzv7.html

 

[hutch]

With the rules the way they are currently, more players will continue to do this. There are no consequences, players can pick and choose as they like. Milford obviously doesn't value playing for Samoa as much as we would all like him to.

 

[deal.with.it]

Absolutely f**ked

 

[murraymob]

Sisa Waqa out injured. Not sure what happened to Wes Naiqama?

wes is injured out for another few weeks

 

[roughyedspud]

just remove international eligibility away from origin eligibility....simple

 

[ek999]

This is taking the p**s surely? Milford is going to turn out in an under 20s curtain raiser to the Samoa-Fiji test. This obsession with Origin over international football is a disgrace and getting out of hand. Why doesn't every player in the NRL and SL just declare for NWS/QLD and Australia and let's be done with it! We could have a two-state rugby league series sitting right up there with the Olympics and Soccer World Cups.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...under20s-and-bypass-samoa-20140426-zqzv7.html

Yeah how dare a kid born and bred in Brisbane want to represent Queensland and Australia. I want to see international rugby league as strong as possible but you can't begrudge a kid wanting to represent his actual state and country