Wallabies star Marika Koroibete re-commits to Rugby Australia

Melbourne’s World Cup winger Marika Koroibete has signed a new two-year deal with the Rebels and Rugby Australia.

The explosive code-hopper, who switched from the NRL to rugby in 2017, made it clear his future lay in the 15-man game and said it was an easy call.

“I am really enjoying my rugby, so it was an easy decision to stay with a club that gave me a chance to play the game,” said Koroibete, ahead of the Wallabies World Cup opener against Fiji in Japan on Saturday.

“My family and I are very happy in Melbourne and we have support at the Rebels that is not taken for granted.

“I still have a lot that I want to achieve in rugby and after the World Cup I am excited to get back to the Rebels and do our best to play Super Rugby finals in 2020.”

Making his test debut in 2017 after switching from the Melbourne Storm, Koroibete has been one of Australian rugby’s biggest improvers over the last 12 months.

Rebels boss Baden Stephenson said he expected Koroibete to continue to make his mark in the next two seasons.

“Marika is a hard working, robust and explosive player who is very well suited to our game style,” Stephenson said.

“His commitment to continue in Melbourne is a massive statement of belief in the quality of the program and people at our club.”

Koroibete will start on his left wing in tomorrow’s Word Cup opener in Sapporo against his native Fiji, in what will be his first appearance at the game’s showpiece event.

AAP

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