Representative round: Test players pushing for NRL berths

Rugby league rep weekend is loaded with household names, but the Pacific Test clashes present an opportunity for lesser recognised talents to press their claims for a NRL call up.

Sitiveni Moceidreke, Manase Fainu and Isaac Lumelume.

Rugby league’s rep weekend is loaded with household names, but the Pacific Test clashes present an opportunity for lesser recognised talents to press their claims for a NRL call up.

Here are some of the players with plenty on the line this weekend.

XAVIER COATES (Papua New Guinea)

Remember the name … Man of the match in Queensland’s under-18s victory over NSW earlier this month, Coates looks an absolute star of the future.

Having already proven himself against men with a double in his sole Queensland Cup game for Tweed Heads, Coates is expected to start at centre for Papua New Guinea against Samoa.

Coates boasts an athlete build with a workmanlike knack for coming off his edge to find the footy, much like Canberra winger Jordan Rapana.

Xavier Coates looks set for a big future in rugby league. Picture: Adam Head

SITIVENI MOCEIDREKE (Fiji)

Moceidreke is a name that many thought may have been more prevalent on NRL team sheets by this point in his career.

The versatile outside back scored a try on debut for South Sydney in 2017 but has since failed to return to the top grade.

The 24-year-old had a short stint in Canberra last season where he was strong for feeder side Mounties, but the form didn’t translate to further NRL honours.

Currently playing at Melbourne’s feeder side on the Sunshine Coast as a centre/fullback, Moceidreke will line up at five-eighth for Fiji against Lebanon.

The clash looms as a vital one, with the Storm still three names short of filling their Top 30 squad before the June 30 deadline.

Could Sitiveni Moceidreke force his way back into the NRL?

JOE LOVODUA (Fiji)

A Hurstville junior, Lovodua was born in Lautoka, Fiji. The 21-year-old is currently on a development contract at St George-Illawarra and is searching for his first taste of NRL action.

The stocky 94kg forward can play a number of positions, but will line up at hooker for the Bati.

With fellow No. 9 Reece Robson linked with a move away from the Dragons, Lovodua can press his case for a Top 30 promotion with a strong showing against Lebanon.

ISAAC LUMELUME (Fiji)

An under-18s and under-20s NSW Origin star, Lumelume is currently in Cronulla’s top 30 squad and is another eyeing off an NRL debut.

The Sharks’ stunning depth in 2019 has kept Lumelume in feeder club Newtown, but a breakout Test performance will put the outside back firmly in the sights of NRL rivals.

Isaac Lumelume is eyeing off an NRL debut.

EDENE GEBBIE (Papua New Guinea)

An athletic and flamboyant fullback who signed with Wynnum-Manly this season, Gebbie currently leads the Queensland Cup in metres gained, total runs and tackle busts. With a good turn of pace and a powerful fend, Gebbie has already attracted interest from a number of NRL clubs and would not look out of place in the big time.

MANASE FAINU (Tonga)

One of the finds of the NRL season, Fainu turned down the chance to represent New Zealand in order to debut for Tonga and the clever Manly dummy half will come off the bench in Saturday’s clash with the Kiwis. Under contract until the end of 2021, Fainu is rapidly becoming a bigger part of Manly’s plans with each passing week and a good performance at the top level will put even more heat on the injured Apisai Koroisau.

Manase Fainu turned down New Zealand to play for Tonga. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as Representative round: Test players pushing for NRL berths