Robust ex-Wallabies winger calls time on Test career
Murray Wenzel |
Two-time John Eales Medallist Marika Koroibete has called time on his Test career.
The Fijian-born dual-code star, who switched to rugby in 2017 after six seasons in the NRL, was among the world’s best wingers when he claimed his second Eales medal in 2022.
Koroibete’s value was such that he remained in the side while playing for Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights until his final Test in Sydney last September.
But with Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Dylan Pietch, Corey Toole, Filipo Daugunu and Andrew Kellaway all jostling for minutes and Mark Nawaqanitawase due to return ahead of the 2027 World Cup he saw the writing on the wall.
“I’m done with the Wallabies,” a gracious Koroibete said ahead of the Wild Knights’ pre-season fixture against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore on Saturday.
“They’ve got a lot of young outside backs coming and competing for the World Cup as well, which is exciting to see. There’s great talent there.”
Koroibete, who splits his time between Japan and Brisbane and owns a kava farm in Fiji, played 63 Tests and scored 20 tries for the Wallabies.
He played 69 Super Rugby Pacific games for the Melbourne Rebels before the move to Japan in 2021.
AAP
