Rugby: Tongan surges into rep reckoning

Whakarewarewa's Siegfried Fisiihoi (right) has been in great form this season. Photo/Ben Fraser

You'd probably have better luck trying to stop a small hurricane than halting big No8 Siegfried Fisiihoi.

Tongan-born Fisiihoi has caused headaches for opposition teams this year in the Baywide premier rugby competition.

His destructive runs, strong defence and try-scoring talents have even drawn attention from the Bay of Plenty Steamers coaching staff.

He is one of six Rotorua players taking part in the final Steamers trial match tonight in Matamata.

Fisiihoi, who plays for Whakarewarewa, said he was really enjoying his rugby this season and would love to play for the Steamers.

"That is my big goal," he said. "Then go from there and wear the Tongan jersey one day."

Fisiihoi was raised in Tonga but moved to the Bay of Plenty to attend Rotorua Boys' High School.

Since leaving school, he has played most of his club rugby for Rotoiti and featured in the team which made the 2012 Baywide final.

Following a season with East Coast in the Heartland Championship, he returned to Rotorua to play for Whakarewarewa this year, under current coach Ngarimu Simpkins.

"He asked me to come and play for Whaka and it was hard for me to turn down," he said. Fisiihoi said he had a good relationship with his current coach and was glad he returned to play in Rotorua.

If he makes the Steamers this year it will mark the first time he has played in the ITM Cup.

He said he would put his body on the line in Matamata tonight to try and cement his spot in the Bay of Plenty team.

"It is going to be very challenging for me, no doubt about that," he said.

" I will have to put the body on the line."

Fisiihoi has scored 13 tries this season, making him joint top try-scorer at Whaka with fullback Whaimotu Craft-Chemis.

He said he would love to finish atop the try scoring list, as it would be a victory for the forwards.

"I hope to. It is good to see the forwards up there, we call the backs the ladies because all the men are doing the hard work in the forwards," he said with a laugh.