Suva prop forward Leeroy Atalifo and France based Isei Colati will make their debut for the Vodafone Flying Fijians next month after being named in the final 30 member squad yesterday.
Coach John McKee named six local based players in the side which includes Atalifo, Viliame Veikoso, Manasa Saulo, Nemani Nagusa, Rupeni Nasiga and Jonetani Ralulu in the side.
Some prominent players in the side include Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Metuisela Talebula, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Captain Akapusi Qera, Nikola Matawalu and Sireli Bobo.
Also recalled is 2007 World cup hooker Sunia Koto.
McKee said the overseas based players are expected to arrive this weekend.
The nine players that are dropped will be on standby as Fiji will play four test matches next month.
Former skipper Mosese Rauluni and Alifereti Mocelutu are the assistant coaches while Aseri Rokoura is the Manager.
The Vodafone Flying Fijians will be captained by Akapusi Qera and they will play Italy on the 7th of next month at the ANZ Stadium before playing Tonga at Churchill Park in the Pacific Nations Cup on the 14th.
They will then take on Samoa at the ANZ Stadium on the 21st before meeting Cook Islands a week later at Churchill Park for the World Cup qualifier.
TEAM: Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Viliame Veikoso, Isei Colati, Manasa Saulo, Leroy Atalifo, Wame Lewaravu, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Rupeni Nasiga, Domoniko Waqaniburotu, Api Naikatini, Malakai Ravulo,
Akapusi Qera(C), Nemani Nagusa, Nikola Matawalu, Nemia Kenatale,
Jonetani Ralulu, Lepani Botia, Adriu Delai, Nemani Nadolo, Vereniki Goneva, Napolioni Nalaga, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Waisea Nayacalevu, Sireli Bobo, Metuisela Talebula, Timoci Nagusa.
Standby Players : Sione Kolo, Nemia Soqeta, Emori Waqa, Henry Seniloli, Jerry Burotu, Watisoni Votu, Samisoni Viriviri.
Story by: Akuila Cama & Rusiate Baleilevuka
