ORANGE City’s already promising 2015 Blowes Clothing Cup campaign has received a massive boost, with dynamic fullback Joe Lasagavibau now free to play with the Lions on a weekly basis.
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The former Orange Hawks and Group 10 custodian has brained opposition defences since making the cross-code switch to rugby union this season, but has only been able to weave his magic on a fortnightly basis with his roster at Cadia preventing the hugely influential gun from being a regular weapon.
Starting on Saturday against CSU Bathurst, though, Lasagavibau says the stop-start nature of his campaign is about to end.
“I’m looking forward to being out there on the field each week now and giving my best so the team can keep winning,” the likeable Fijian said.
In the brief glimpses the 26-year-old has been seen this season, it’s clear Lasagavibau is an attacking genius the Lions will now be able to take full advantage of.
“He definitely has that bit of X-factor about him,” Lions co-coach Mick Gray said.
“He’s a great talker as well, and that’s what you want from your fullback. He’s not the same kind of player as Junior (Lafa’ou) was, but he’s the type of player you want on your team.”
Lasagavibau couldn’t be happier about his pre-season switch to the 15-a-side code.
“I’m loving it,” he said, spending three seasons with Hawks prior to 2015.
“I think I bring a bit of flair. I enjoy playing open rugby, so hopefully we can play a bit of that.”
VIDEO: Michelle Cook and Matt Findlay preview Saturday's Blowes Clothing Cup games:
The Lions are currently third after six rounds of the regular season but face a significantly tough two-week period after Saturday’s game against the students.
Sitting first and second respectively, Orange Emus and the Bathurst Bulldogs await Orange City and Gray knows his side must improve on its continuity to challenge the form teams so far in 2015.
“Our combinations haven’t been there yet, and we know that,” he said.
“But we have Cameron Cole back now as well and Joey being more regular will help.
“I think our defence last week was great, which is please.”
Saturday's game kicks off at 3.15pm at Pride Park.
ORANGE CITY LIONS: 1 Darcy Garlick, 2 Chris Senior, 3 Cal Townsend, 4 Chris Barrett, 5 Scott Smith, 6 Mitch Pearce, 7 Duncan Young, 8 Josh Maley, 9 Tom Nell, 10 Cameron Cole (c), 11 Jake Davis, 12 Mesui Lemoto, 13 Sam Coote, 14 Mo Amone, 15 Joe Lasagavibau.
