Recalling Our Favourite Fijian Superstars

Semi and Maiko. They left a permanent mark at Parra. They thrilled us and left unforgettable memories.

Semi came up from our juniors, and to me at least, was unheralded. But not for long as his talent shone from day one.

He scored try after try and displayed a footy brain not often seen before in a winger. He never seemed under pressure and always made the right decision in drawing and passing or going for it. I can still see him bringing the ball out of our red zone in all his majesty

But he was always homesick and chased the big money elsewhere and boy did we miss him.

Afterwood we took a chance and signed Maiko who soon was honoured and was given the Maiko chant for scoring in the corner! But he soon started to come out of the line in defence, mostly missing his man and a try ensued. Sometimes he was forced into this decision by our defence being caught short on his side, but still it was noted by other teams and they made sure they spun the ball out to his side at the end of the tackle count and scored multiple times. BA made note but made allowances because of his scoring record.Then Maiko displayed a lack of grunt and desire in bringing the ball off his line, and the writing was on the wall.

They're gone now, and no longer in our colours. But they're not forgotten. Christ they were excitement machines.

And perhaps an inspiration to future generations of Fijian and Islanders. We also have a young winger currently in Ball who, could, possibly one day achieve this level.

"Lorenzo is a generational talent. In both trials he barely ran the ball. Once he gets that out of the bag, you will see how lethal a talent he is. He has great footwork and a fantastic initial 30 metres in him. I really look forward to watching him…"

"Burton would be a great 6 to have, but there's no doubt we'd have to get into a bidding war to win his signature. As soon as that happens the move loses appeal for me because he's not worth the salary Bulldogs had to pay to bring him over from the…"

"You're on the money as usual Coryn, but also, when the Storm are getting no reward late in the tackle, their 6 7 and 9 resort to angled grubbers thru our line or staying with angle lob one to allow their winger to catch and drop down over line.…"

Replies

- - Coryn Hughes > Richard Jackson February 27, 2026 at 11:07am
    
    They'd have to wait till after the RWC but there's plenty there waiting to be plucked.
    
    The key here is all of those mentioned guys came through the NZ rugby 7s program.
    
    Much like the Fijian crew Semi Radradra and alike all play rugby 7s that's the common denominator that's an Avenue we should be scouting for outside backs.
Coryn Hughes February 27, 2026 at 11:00am

https://youtu.be/b88Ed7dOnrU?si=srX9vSgFft8auytt

This kid reminds me of an Israel Folau Joseph Su'ali type with more speed.Very similar body type.
- Coryn Hughes > Coryn Hughes February 28, 2026 at 3:59pm
  
  https://youtu.be/b88Ed7dOnrU?si=n-VSPE6ENPa4UiRW
  
  I mean this guy here has huge potential the ceiling is extremely high I think the body type for an nrl outside back this guys the guy.
Coryn Hughes February 27, 2026 at 11:31am

https://youtu.be/DY1AnSC_Ak0?si=Y7uMjG-oFpLEf4Wa

This is Caleb Tangitau at 16 yrs of age playing rugby 7s he was a stand out then and his progression through the rugby ranks has been rapid.He's now knocking on the door of an AB debut.
- Coryn Hughes > Coryn Hughes February 27, 2026 at 11:50am
  
  This is Caleb Tangitau last week.
  
  https://youtu.be/qiVvEHZa6kM?si=RcWpZZ3yMRaB4hyK
Coryn Hughes February 27, 2026 at 11:39am

https://youtube.com/shorts/2EiHGcoKK-Q?si=VTr4kdu-DXzB8_Le

https://youtube.com/shorts/TRFltoqKo3A?si=qtFeHRTI2Rpm7zZj

This cat here is just like butter smooth skills to burn great acceleration and to come back from a near career ending neck injury has shown great character and resilience.

I think he'd be a good fullback or centre in rugby league reminds me a little of Ken Nagas and Will Kennedy in how he moves.
- Richard Jackson > Coryn Hughes February 27, 2026 at 5:38pm
  
  You've certainly noticed some great talent there Coryn, our club should have a look. I agree most union players are eyeing off the coming RU world cup and wouldn't like to swap codes until it's over. But if we were so inclined it wouldn't hurt to let them know of our interest now ahead of that huge event
Parra_Greg February 27, 2026 at 12:32pm

Other then Guru Snr our best winger was Semi ...a real shame he couldnt stay in the game longer but I guess he was just too good
- SuperEel 22 > Parra_Greg February 27, 2026 at 3:28pm
  
  Semi would have broken the try scoring record if he'd stayed with us. He had 82 tries by the age of 25. And he only got half a season with Mitch. Sivo finished with 104 tries after debuting after 23. Could you imagine how many more tries Semi would have scored, given Maika often couldn't go the length of the field.
  - Richard Jackson > SuperEel 22 February 27, 2026 at 4:10pm
    
    Hi Super, no doubt Semi would have owned the record if he'd stayed, he was a champion. Even though he was only a team-mate of Moses for a short while he did have Hayne alongside him.
    
    I heard little about his doings since he left, was told he carried form over to the UK and kicked on and I think having a spell in France as well. I'd love to hear a summary of how successful he was in Union, and whether or not he's retired now.
    
    How good would it be to see him appear at our leagues club, one day, for lunch and a chat. I'd go