BATHURST Panthers front rower Osea Sadrau returned to international rugby league on Saturday as his Fijian side defeated Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast.

Sadrau represented his native country for the eighth time in the contest at CBus Stadium, where the Fijians claimed victory 22-10.

Sadrau didn’t see much game time, coming off the bench and getting through a couple of hit-ups plus making six tackles, but being part of a memorable victory would have been satisfaction enough.

The 29-year-old has played at two World Cups for the Bati and was also in their side at this time last year against Samoa.

On Saturday, Fiji dominated for the majority of the match but had to withstand a fightback from the Kumuls.

The Papua New Guinea team have effectively been playing as a unit throughout the season courtesy of their entry into the Queensland Cup, and that extra work began to show as the game went on.

Having trailed 18-0 at half-time as Fijian winger Marika Koroibete secured an early double, Papua New Guinea hit back with two tries in the 30 minutes after the break.

However, at 18-10 with 12 minutes to play Fiji still had the upper hand. 

A try to Fabian Goodall secured the result for Fiji late in the game.

Winger Etonia Nabuli starred for the Bati, charging through 19 runs and making more than 230 metres.

Entertaining Wests Tigers winger Kevin Naiquama was outstanding at fullback for his national side, and Koroibete on the other flank completed a dynamic back three who simply dominated.

Unfortunately for Panthers’ and Sadrau, it remains a mystery as to when he will return to play for the club in Group 10 premier league.

He formed a crucial combination with Brent Seager in last year’s charge to the second week of the finals. With Greg Behan now in the side, Sadrau would complete probably the biggest trio across the competition.

However, visa issues are currently causing headaches for Panthers officials.

“We don’t know how long it will be until he can play for us, we have applied through the Immigration Department, but at the moment we are getting the run around because of red tape with working Visas,” Panthers president Dennis Comerford said.

“The case is being handled by a public servant who I don’t think understands how rugby league works in the bush in New South Wales.”