Hooker leads Knights

Fiji Times - Wednesday, November 21, 2007 5:44 PM

FLYING Fijians hooker Vereniki Sauturaga will spearhead the Knights campaign in the 2008 Colonial Cup competition.

The Tovi villager from Tailevu was named in the 45-member Knights squad after a trial at Ratu Cakobau Park on Saturday.

Knights selectors Luke Rogoyawa, Samisoni Rabaka and Lance Whippy assisted coach Eddie Waqa in selecting the players from Tailevu, Rewa, Ovalau and Northland which make up the franchise.

"We were really impressed with the fitness and performance of the players," Rogoyawa said.

"They really fought for their places.

"Sauturaga really impressed us with his maturity but there are other areas which we think needs to be worked on in his game."

The squad is made of players mostly from the champion Farebrother Trophy holders Tailevu.

Livai Suguta is the lone player from Rewa while Netani Talei and Kevurueli Bulivorovoro are from Ovalau.

Three players represent Northland.

Rogoyawa said the squad will undergo a fitness test and gym work at the Post Fiji Stadium on December 1.

He said the final team would be named in the first week of February.

The Colonial Cup kicks off on February 22 and involves franchise teams the Crusaders, Stallions, Knights, Highlanders, Sharks and Roosters.

The competition will run for 10 weeks with the final on April 5.

Knights training squad: Remesio Ravuiwasa, Josese Bale, Sunia Sevu, Saimoni Rokotuinidau, Sisari Tagivakatini, Mosese Sela, Vereniki Sauturaga, Sakio Latianara, Langi Peters, Andrew Compain, Tomasi Kedrabuka, Taitusi Kadi, Akuila Matanibukaca, Peni Tora, Maikali leweni, Epeli Dranikamate, Wate Vocevoce, Apenisa Ratugoleyanavanua, Jone Naulumatua, Romoluse Ratukana, Kevurueli Bulivorovoro, Jim Patrick, Nemia Kenatale, Jonacani Eranavanua, Netani Talei, James Vuli, Sisa Waqa, Vilikesa Mucunabitu, Jovili Togavou, Varani Vunakece, Kalivati Cavuilati, Jale Masivesi, Josefa Siga, Tikiko Uluiviti, Eneri Kuru, Malakai Bakaniceva, Timoci Nagusa, Joela Naituku, Alipate Nagaya, Seru Tagicakibau, Iliesa Keresoni, Ilmeleki Tukai, Fatiaki Ravai, Nacanieli Nabobo, Livai Suguta.