Joe Taira in line for Fiji debut

Joe Taira is set to be selected to play for Fiji against England, at the AJ Bell Stadium on October 7.

Taira was invited into the Fiji camp at Leconfield last week and joined a squad of established NRL and Super League players, such as Mikaele Ravalawa and Kevin Naiqama. 

Taira will provide cover for missing Fiji Bati stars who will be representing Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels in the NRL Grand Final this weekend. 

The Head coach of Fiji is Joe Rabele who is being assisted by the former Leeds Rhinos, Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone Rovers coach Brian McDermott. 

Taira and the rest of the Fiji squad will move to Rochdale next week. Hosted by Rochdale Hornets, they will engage in several community events and utilise the world-class training facilities at Hopwood Hall College to prepare for next Friday’s warm-up game. 

Rochdale has a long relationship with Fiji dating back to the 1960s but Taira will make history as the first Hornets player to gain international honours for his country.