Kaiviti Silktails coach Wes Naiqama. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU/FILE
Kaiviti Silktails first choice fullback Ropate Tobe might just be the best utility player who is no stranger to any other position in the backline or up front.
The military officer has come a long way since first playing rugby league for the Makoi Bulldogs as a hooker.
“Then I moved to the wing, then into the halves, and then from there I went to fullback and then I played centres,” Tobe said.
The 27-year-old from Navukailagi Village on Gau joined the Silktails as a centre before cementing his role in the number one jersey, but head coach Wes Naiqama may have other plans.
Injury forces Silktails to reshuffle attack
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A shoulder injury to fullback Ratu Jilivecevece has prompted Kaiviti Silktails coach Wes Naiqama to tinker with his attacking spine for the Round Five clash with Glebe Dirty Reds at Mascot Oval on Saturday.
Jilivecevece could be sidelined for a month after injuring his shoulder in the 30-26 loss to Windsor Wolves last weekend, which brings in 2021 season newcomer Ropate Tobe to the No.1 jersey while captain Penioni Tagituimua has shifted from hooker to halfback.
“Ratu’s been our fullback for both our games so far,” Naiqama said.
“He got the injury in the second half, so it was pretty courageous of him to continue on.