The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed new recruit Marika Koroibete will debut for the club at February's Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.
The 24 year old Koroibete showed positive signs when he made his first appearances in the 15-player code in the Wallaby XV loss to the French Barbarians in Bordeaux last month, where he helped to set up the opening try with an offload and made several key tackles.
"Marika's power, speed, and strength will suit the extra space available in the Tens format so we will provide him the opportunity in Brisbane to continue his re-introduction to Rugby in a competitive environment," head coach Tony McGahan told the Melbourne Rebels club website.
"The Spring Tour allowed Marika to transition to rugby with the opportunity to learn and train aside the best players so we're prepared to give him this unique opportunity ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season."
Marika Koroibete playing for the Melbourne Storm in the 2016 NRL Grand Final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former Fiji Bati winger, who scored 46 tries in 74 NRL appearances with the Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm, said he was excited about the new challenge in front of him.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Melbourne Rebels for the first time in a competitive tournament at the Brisbane Tens," Koroibete said.
"The Spring Tour was a great opportunity to kick off my rugby journey but I'm excited to continue to develop my game, play with my new teammates and positively contribute to the Melbourne Rebels in 2017."
The Brisbane Global Rugby Tens, which also feature the Manu Samoa national team, will be held from on February 11-12 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Marika Koroibete playing for Fiji at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
