Promising young Manly Warringah Sea Eagles forward Caleb Navale has been named in Fiji's 20-man squad for their upcoming Pacific Championship tri-series.
Fiji play against Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands in Port Moresby in a second tri-series excluding Australia, Samoa and New Zealand.
Fiji open their Pacific Championships campaign on October 22 when they take on Cook Islands in Port Moresby before facing hosts Papua New Guinea the following week on October 29.
Navale's selection caps off a fine season for the hard working lock who won Manly's Russ Bull Best and Fairest award for the Jersey Flegg team at the Sea Eagles Presentation night last month.
Sea Eagles Assistant Jersey Flegg Coach Nik Wolfgramm said Navale had been the team’s most consistent forward all season. He finished with six tries from 20 games.
“Caleb showed great tenacity and mental toughness as a middle lock forward that came off the back of his hard work ethic at training,’’ Wolfgramm said.
“A very well-respected man, his team-mates could always look to rely on him in tough moments in games which demonstrated qualities of a great leader.
“Caleb finished the season as our leading player in run metres, post contact metres and tackles which is testament to his hard work at training to further improve his ability."
Fiji Bati
Waqa Blake (Eels)
Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)
Kurt Donoghoe (Dolphins)
Kitione Kautoga (Bulldogs)
Tui Kamikamica, capt. (Storm)
Sirilo Lovokuro (Kaiviti Silktails)
Taane Milne (Rabbitohs)
Noah Nailagoliva (Knights)
Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles)
Jason Qareqare (Castleford Tigers)
Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons)
Mesake Ravonu (Bulldogs)
Apisalome Saukuru (Wests Tigers)
Maika Sivo (Eels)
Peni Tagituimua (Bulldogs)
Sunia Turuva (Panthers)
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils)
Brandon Wakeham (Wests Tigers)
Watisoni Waqanisaravi (Kaiviti Silktails)
Gordon Whippy (Ipswich Jets)
