Koroibete re-signs through to 2021

Fri, Sep 20, 2019, 3:15 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Marika Koroibete has re-signed with the Rebels and Wallabies. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Marika Koroibete has re-signed with the Rebels and Wallabies. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

Rebels winger Marika Koroibete has signed a new two-year deal with Melbourne and Rugby Australia.

Koroibete made the switch back to rugby back ahead of the 2017 season, with his first taste of the international scene coming in the 2016 Spring Tour where he played for a Wallaby XV in a mid-week tour match.

The speedster has become a key player for the Rebels and his value at Test level has increased as well since his 2017 debut against Argentina.

Koroibete has been one of the form Wallabies this season and is set to play an important role in the Rugby World Cup, starting off against Fiji on Saturday.

Despite speculation the former Melbourne Storm star could return to rugby league, he said it was a simple call to stay put.

"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 from Japan.

“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.”

Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said he expected Koroibete's rise to continue in the next two seasons.

“Marika is a hard working, robust and explosive player who is very well suited to our game style. He is also a fan favourite down here in Melbourne at the Stockade. Our community gets excited watching him play and kids want to be him," he said.

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

Australia plays Fiji on Saturday September 21 at the Spporo Dome, kicking off at 1:45pm local, 2:45pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Network Ten and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

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