Runaway prop creates buzz

Fiji Times - Friday, May 09, 2008 8:10 AM

FIJIAN runaway prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa is creating a buzz in the New South Wales rugby competition and has caught the attention of officials here at home.

Flying Fijians coach Ilivasi Tabua jets off to Sydney today to meet the former Fiji under-21 representative who has become a revelation for the NSW club champions, Sydney University.

Tabua said he would be watching Yanuyanutawa play against Penrith tomorrow.

"I have heard about him and will talk to him after the game to see where his interests lie," Tabua said.

"He has been doing well since moving from the flanker's position to loosehead prop."

Tabua will keep an eye on other players in Australia who have what it takes to take Fiji to the next level.

Since being plucked out of third grade to make his first-grade debut for Sydney University in last year's rugby grand final against Eastern Suburbs, the 23-year-old Yanuyanutawa has taken his game to new levels. The 122kg rookie prop after being transformed from the side of the scrum, has played a key role in the students unbeaten run after five rounds - scoring three tries in the process.

The former Suva Grammar School student scored a try in their 34-16 win over Manly in the opening round, and has retained his loosehead position since.

In the match against Eastern Suburb two weeks ago, the loosehead prop scored two tries one of which he ran 40 metres up the left touchline to score in the corner.

His second try was from an offload from fellow Fijian Jone Tawake, who also plays for the university.

Before playing for Australia, Yanuyanutawa played alongside Maleli Kunavore and Samu Dawai in the Fiji U21 side in 2004.

Jerry's dad, Doctor Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa, said his son always had dreams of playing for Fiji.

"I was studying in Australia in 2004 when he joined us and was picked up by Sydney University scouts and put into their development program," Dr Yanuyanutawa said.

"He stayed back in Australia when I returned and has continued to play rugby and study. He is doing his Bachelor of Education, majoring in sports science.

"He's got Fiji at heart and I think Tabua should be able to clarify what both worlds have to offer him."

Dr Yanuyanutawa said his son had always talked about the rugby they play at Sydney University and how it had suited his game.

"He was a flanker while playing in Fiji and he enjoys the open rugby they play at the University and talks about how it would suit Fijians."