“The goal now is to get out there and play to our best to beat Samoa as you know that our opponent wants to be in the tier one competition as well,” Rabele added.
From left: Sereana Maragi (with the ball) and Fiji Bulikula prop Aliti Namoce during the captains run on October 25, 2024. Photos: Leon Lord
Fiji Bulikula prop Aliti Namoce has been omitted from Josaia Rabele’s 17-member team set to take on Fetu Samoa in the World Cup qualifier match at Go Media stadium, Auckland, New Zealand this Saturday.
This has given Yasawa Saints captain and former Pearls player Sereana Maragi to don the number 10 jersey and debut for the Bulikula.
Rabele confirmed that the 26-year-old Namoce will not travel with the side today.
She will remain in the country with manageress Asinate Rokovaki to resolve her visa issues after it was declined.
This emerged after news.com.au reported that Namoce’s visa to return to Australia after the Pacific Bowl Championship last weekend was refused.
In its report, news.com.au said Namoce did not appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Monday where pleas of guilty were entered on her behalf to two counts each of possessing a prohibited drug and deemed drug supply.
She also pleaded guilty to a single charge of dealing with the proceeds of crime, the report on the news website said.
It was reported, that the court was told Ms Namoce was granted a variation to her bail conditions earlier this year so she could travel to her native country to compete with the Fijian side, but was refused entry back into Australia.
“The police prosecutor said there was no information before the court to suggest why Ms Namoce was not given a visa to re-enter Australia, and was at risk of breaching her bail if she remained stranded,” the article further said.
Rabele told SUNsports: “At the moment we are not allowed to comment on anything regarding Miss Namoce.”
“We’ll take one game at a time and our focus is on Samoa in this Pacific Championship final.
“The goal now is to get out there and play to our best to beat Samoa as you know that our opponent wants to be in the tier one competition as well,” Rabele added.
Meanwhile, Rabele said both teams will be fighting for a spot to play in the women’s Pacific Championship Cup tournament.
“The girls are ready, and I ask all Fijian families and friends to support the team in the Pacific Championship bowl final in Auckland,” he said.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
