Tag: Fiji

Salford sign Fijian prop King Vuniyayawa

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce the signing of Fijian international King Vuniyayawa on a two-year contract.

Prop or second-row forward, Vuniyayawa joins the Red Devils from fellow Betfred Super League side Leeds Rhinos.

The 26-year-old began his career in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, before making the switch to Super League ahead of the 2021 season.

Speaking on signing for Salford, Vuniyayawa said: “I decided to come to Salford to take on new challenges and to keep progressing in terms of my footy.

Super League footy is quite different to NRL footy, so learning to adjust to the game and how they play over here has taken a bit of time for me but I’m getting there.

“With joining the Devils, I feel like it’s a good move for me to focus on myself and what I can bring to the team.”

Director of rugby and operations Ian Blease commented: “I am pleased and excited to bring in a quality player like King Vuniyayawa to the Red Devils for the next two seasons.

“King will add some strength and size to our pack as we continue to build our squad for 2022 & onwards. Going forward King will get the opportunity to build his career with the Red Devils having agreed to join us from the Leeds Rhinos.

As a club, we will work hard with and give King our full backing to enable him to become a leading Super League forward.”

Join King in 2022 by purchasing an early bird season ticket HERE.

Ben Nakubuwai | “I feel like I’m settling in”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Fijian international Ben Nakubuwai made his Betfred Super League debut in Friday’s game at Wakefield and admits nerves were there prior to kick-off.
Nakubuwai, who is still available for sponsorship, said: “It was pretty exciting and I was grateful for the opportunity.
“I was a bit nervous at the start but once I got into it I felt comfortable and ready to go – I loved it.
“I think a big thing for me when I first came in was adjusting to playing in these conditions I’m used to playing in warmer weather I guess once I adjusted to that I think it’s just up from there for me really.
The World Cup star made a big impact from the interchange bench as The Red Devils stood up against Wakefield’s forwards and Nakubuwai knows that this is part of the job.
“No matter who is in front of us we have to do our job.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small they are we’ve just got to keep going forward.”
Nakubuwai will be looking to cement a regular position in the squad in the coming weeks as he feels he is now settled at Salford following his move.
Nakubuwai said: “It’s a good Club.
“It’s my first year here and they’ve all been pretty welcoming yeah I couldn’t have asked for anything more I feel like I’m settling in both on and off the field.”
 
If you’d be interested in sponsoring Ben Nakubuwai for the 2018 season contact Fiona.Woods@SalfordRedDevils.net.

Red Devils bring in World Cup star Ben Nakubuwai

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils can confirm the signing of Fijian Rugby League World Cup star Ben Nakubuwai.
Nakubuwai featured in all of Fiji’s World Cup fixtures and was a part of one of the stories of the competition as they reached the World Cup semi-final for the third consecutive time.
The 21-year-old has already been tipped Down Under as the next ‘Petero Civoniceva’. Nakubuwai joins from NRL side Gold Coast Titans for whom he appeared twice scoring one try.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: “I am really excited with the signing of Ben as he is an outstanding addition to our group.
“He’s a great bloke off the field with an attitude to graft hard for his teammates on it.
“His potential has been seen in the recent Rugby League World Cup with Fiji at just 21 years old and seven international appearances under his belt he will add quality and enthusiasm to an already strong pack of forwards for 2018.
“He made his NRL debut this year and is coming over here to really create a name for himself. He is a player in the mould of Petero Civoniceva and it’s up to us to help him achieve these high standards that he and the Club are striving towards.”
Salford Red Devils CEO, Ian Blease, said: “Ben is another young and excellent addition to our squad for next season.
“He’s a big powerful forward who I was very impressed with when I watched him throughout the Rugby League World Cup.
“It’s another great signing for us and I feel we’ve really strengthened the squad in pre-season and I’m exciting to see all our new signings in action.”
Ben Nakubuwai could debut for the Red Devils as early as January, subject to visa arrival, when Salford face local rivals Swinton in the opening pre-season friendly of 2018 with ticket details due to be released soon.
 
Remember to see the Red Devils in action in 2018 you can purchase your Season Ticket at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or online here. A list of all our ticket prices and their respective Direct Debit payment schemes can be found here with the Direct Debit option being available from the Ticket Office or over the phone.

Salford’s last representative eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Manu Vatuvei’s Tongan side were knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup following a semi-final defeat at the hands of England on Saturday morning.
England opened up a 20-0 lead against the surprise semi-finalists with tries from Jermaine McGillvary, Gareth Widdop and John Bateman.
However, Tevita Pangai Junior, Siliva Havili and Tuimoala Lolahea all went over in the space of seven minutes for the Tongan’s to almost pull off a memorable fightback.
There was late controversy as Andrew Fifita almost went over for Tonga with the final play of the game but was adjudged to have dropped the ball following a collision with Elliot Whitehead which wasn’t sent to video referee Ben Thaler by referee Matt Cecchin.
Vatuvei was the last Salford representative at the Rugby League World Cup.
New signing Gavin Bennion, who featured for Wales in the World Cup, has been in training with the Red Devils while fellow countryman Craig Kopczak has also linked up with the side today.
Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy is set to be back in training in midweek while Vatuvei will re-join the squad in the next fortnight.
England are set to face Australia in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final at 9:00am on Saturday 2nd December with the game being live on both BBC One and Premier Sports.
 
Remember to see any of our World Cup stars in action in 2018 you can purchase your Season Ticket at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or online here. A list of all our ticket prices and their respective Direct Debit payment schemes can be found here with the Direct Debit option being available from the Ticket Office or over the phone.

Four Red Devils named in Rugby League World Cup squads

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Four Salford Red Devils have been named in their respective countries squads for the second round of fixtures at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. 
Craig Kopczak will once again captain Wales as they face Fiji in Townsville. Salford new-boy Gavin Bennion is also named in John Kear’s 21-man squad after linking up with the team this past week.
Manu Vatuvei has been named in Tonga’s 21-man squad as they look to make it two wins from two on Saturday against Samoa.
After impressing in Ireland’s victory over Italy last weekend Tyrone McCarthy is again named in Mark Aston’s squad as the Irish get ready to do battle with Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
 
Remember if you want to watch the Red Devils World Cup stars next season you can secure your 2018 Season Ticket at the best price and via Direct Debit before the 3rd November. Direct Debit can be set up by ringing 0161 786 1570 or visiting the Club Ticket Office. 2018 Season Tickets can also be purchased online here.

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