Wallabies flyer Koroibete locks in through 2021
Wallabies speedster Marika Koroibete has given the side a huge boost on the eve of their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji by inking a new two-year contract extension to remain with Australian Rugby and the Melbourne Rebels through 2021.
Koroibete exploded onto the international Rugby scene in 2017 after six seasons in the National Rugby League, making his Wallabies debut against Argentina in Canberra.
The potent finisher has since established himself as a regular in the Wallabies starting line-up, posing a constant threat in both attack and defence with his electrifying runs and stinging defense.
Koroibete will start on his left wing in tomorrow’s Word Cup opener in Sapporo against his native Fiji, in what will be his first appearance at the game’s showpiece event.
The former Fiji Rugby League international has started 22 of his 24 Tests for the Wallabies, converting those appearances into 9 tries including a spectacular solo effort in Australia’s recent win over Samoa in Sydney.
In his three seasons of Vodafone Super Rugby, the 27-year-old has crossed for 16 tries and is a key re-signing for the Rebels as they chase a maiden finals appearance in 2020.
“I am really enjoying my Rugby, so it was an easy decision to stay with a Club that gave me a chance to play the game,” said Koroibete from Japan.
“My family and I are very happy in Melbourne and we have support at the Rebels that is not taken for granted. I still have a lot that I want to achieve in Rugby and after the World Cup I am excited to get back to the Rebels and do our best to play Super Rugby finals in 2020.”
Koroibete hails from the tiny Fijian village of Naraiyawa and didn’t play competitive Rugby Union or League until his late High School years in Suva. He was scouted by the Wests Tigers from the Fijian Under 18s Rugby League team which toured Sydney and went on to feature in the 2016 NRL Grand Final with Melbourne Storm before switching to Rugby and joining the Melbourne Rebels.
Marika Koroibete
Position: Wing
Height: 182cm
Weight: 96kg
Born: 26/07/1992
Place of birth: Fiji
Representative Honours: Wallaby XV (2016), Melbourne Rebels (2017-), Wallabies (2017-)
Super Rugby debut: 2017 v Hurricanes, Wellington (Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby caps: 41 (Melbourne Rebels)
Test debut: 2017 v Argentina, Canberra
Test caps: 24
Test points: 45 (9T)
