Leaders from the Back

Fiercely competitive and hard running must be key characteristics for leadership in the National Rugby Championship, as the two Captains that will take the field this Saturday at Ratu Cakobau Park clearly fit that mould.

Angus Cottrell, Captain for the Melbourne Rising is a Wallaby in waiting and Melbourne Rebels hard nosed flanker, renowned for his niggle in the breakdown and voice across the pitch.

Similarily for the Fiji Airways Drua, Captain Mosese Voka is a Fireman, a Flying Fijian and a well respected family man who’s strength in the scrum and leadership across the field will be integral to the young forwards in the front row this weekend.

Both sides back rows will be the driving force of leadership for the weekend, with Cottrell supported by Fijian Brumby turned Rebel Isi Naisarani and Voka supported by his own power house Eremasi Radrodro.

Voka was there in 2017 when the Drua met the Rising in round 2 and wowed the crowd with 24-45 victory, showing plenty of Fijian flair, but his side is wary of complacency based on past results.

“We know the Rising will be a tough challenge with a side filled of their own Fijian talent like Isi Naisarani and Sefanaia Naivalu, but we are ready to play”.

What is certain from this weekend’s first round battle of the NRC is that Drua fans are set for a thrilling afternoon of rugby.