Kaiviti Silktails coach Wes Naiqama has made a change to his backline for Saturday’s Round Four match against Melbourne as he searches for their first win in the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Naiqama has dropped winger Bili Taria, moved centre Emosi Daubitu out to the flank and brought in Mosese Taramecegu into the centres.
The match is on Easter Saturday 4pm at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in Melbourne and will be live-streamed on NSWRL TV.
“Bili has been a great addition to our squad, he’s fearless with his carries and a strong finisher,” Naiqama told nswrl.com.au.
“Defensively he’s been caught out on a couple occasions, so I’m just moving a couple players around to strengthen our edges as that’s where a lot of points have been scored against us in the opening rounds.”
The Silktails were beaten by 18 points in Round One against the Wests Tigers and 38 in the loss to St George Illawarra last weekend in Round Three.
“Bili will work on a few things, and I have no doubt he’ll be pushing to be in our 17 in the next couple weeks,” Naiqama said.
“The three games he’s already played will be invaluable experience for his development,”
The Round Two 20-14 loss to South Sydney was the one that got away for the Silktails, who now sit in 12th spot on the ladder, just one place behind Storm to add to the intrigue for Sunday’s match-up.
“Regardless of the opposition the most challenging task for our squad will be getting our first win as a playing group,” Naiqama said.
“There have been massive learnings taken out of the first three rounds. It’s about preparing well and putting in a good performance.
“We definitely needed to absorb the pressure better than we did when the Dragons had the momentum especially in that first half. From the 7th-23rd minute we didn’t touch the ball.
“Our goal line attack was clunky, so our halves (Brandon Saun - pictured above: NRL photos - and Meli Nacaginimasei) need to be more dominant.
“When we applied the same pressure to Dragons we had some joy.”
After this weekend the Silktails will have two home games – Cronulla-Sutherland in Nadi in Round Five and Penrith at Lautoka in Round Six.
Playing in the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup last year, the Silktails won seven of their nine games played in Fiji.
