Baselala on Byrnes radar for Flying Fijians selection

Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne is keeping a close eye on young Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s halfback Philip Baselala, who Byrne says could get some game time for the Flying Fijians, given the current situation with the halfbacks, especially with the exclusion of Frank Lomani, who injured his shoulder during this season’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and is recovering after undergoing a surgery.

With the June tests coming up in a few weeks, Byrne is trying to strengthen the halfback position, and he says most of the Flying Fijians’ halfbacks play for the Fijian Drua, and he and his coaching team are keen to see young Baselala get some game time.

Byrne says they have been monitoring Baselala’s progress, and this could be Baselala’s opportunity to earn selection.

Byrne emphasised that no player is guaranteed a spot yet, but he has confirmed that the coaching staff is working closely with the Fijian Drua to develop Baselala’s game.

The young halfback will be starting against the Western Force this afternoon.

The Drua will host the Western Force at 3.35pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, Byrne confirms that the wider squad will soon be trimmed to 60 players, with the final travelling team to be announced well before the Australia test.