Code‑hopper Marika Koroibete has reportedly been ruled out of Melbourne's Brisbane Global Tens rugby campaign this weekend with a knee injury.
The Rebels have put the star recruit on ice in a bid to have him fit for the start of the Super Rugby season in two weeks' time.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has also ruled out the flying winger for two trial matches, meaning Koroibete could make his Rebels debut in the Super Rugby without a pre‑season hit out.
McGahan told News Corp the Fijian‑born star is "touch and go" for their season opener against the Blues at home on February 23rd after sustaining the injury at training.
Meanwhile Queensland Reds coach Nick Stiles is tipping the Tens to be the perfect vehicle for giant winger Eto Nabuli to show off the improvements in his game.
Stiles say Nabuli feels far more comfortable in the team environment this year because he was straight from the NRL and into a new squad of unfamiliar faces last season.
Some players with links to Fiji who will be playing this weekend include Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight for the Brumbies, Joe Ravouvou and Sevu Reece for the Chiefs, Eto Nabuli, Samu Kerevi and Chris Kuridrani for the Reds, Seta Tamanivalu for the Crusaders, Teqele Naiyaravoro and Lote Tuqiri for the Waratahs and Isireli Naisarani for the Western Force.
The Brisbane Global Tens will be held this Saturday and Sunday.
