Prior returns for Force-Malaysia clash

Wed, Aug 7, 2019, 4:45 AM
Rugby WA Media
by Rugby WA Media

Western Force skipper Ian Prior will make his Rapid Rugby comeback against the Malaysia Valke on Friday night in Perth.

Prior has missed three months with a pectoral injury but has been cleared to play the final game of the Force's Rapid Rugby season.

Force coach Tim Sampson is trialling a number of rookies in the game, including former Manly Sea Eagles player Halaufa Lavaka on the bench.

Sampson said the match would be a good chance for their rising stars to step up.

"The game will be a great experience and opportunity for our younger emerging talent who have come through the Western Australian pathway systems,” he said.

“The Malaysia Valke are a team who throws the ball around and play to their strengths out wide where they have a lot of speed. They will also challenge us through the middle of the field with their big pack.”

Sampson will also trial Tongan Halaufa Lavaka, naming the former Manly Sea Eagles player in the reserves.

“Hala has completed a two-year Mormon mission and is very committed to reigniting his professional career. He only joined us a couple of weeks ago and is showing some promising signs”.

The match against the Valke is the last of the Force's Rapid Rugby season though the WA side will play in the upcoming NRC as well.

WA Schools and Clubs can still claim a ticket using their provided club code, each ticket will give a $2.50 rebate towards the chosen school or clubs rugby program. 

TEAM

Force to face Malaysia Valke

1. Cameron Orr

2. Feleti Kaitu'u

3. Tom Sheminant

4. Jeremy Thrush

5. Carlo Tizzano

6. Brynard Stander

7. Issak Fines

8. Andrew Deegan

9. Rod Davies

10. Rodney Iona

11. Nick Jooste

12. Jonah Placid

13. Jack McGregor

14. Heath Tessmann

15. Harrison Lloyd

Reserves

16. Chris Heiberg

17. Ben Grant

18. Jackson Pugh

19. Ian Prior

20. Chris Miller

21. Leon Feke

22. Halaufa Lavaka

23. Ollie Callan

24. Dom Hardman

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