New signing Joe Lovodua says he’s aiming for an impressive season in Black & White in 2022 as he aims to lock down a spot in Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup squad.
The 23-year old has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal with the club yesterday, linking up with Brett Hodgson’s side as his second new signing alongside winger Darnell McIntosh.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker, who has eight international caps for Fiji under his belt, including four appearances at the last World Cup in 2017, is determined to be involved in the competition once again in 2022, with his native Fiji side being based in Hull for the duration of the tournament.
Speaking to hullfc.com about his international experience and desire to once more pull on the Fiji jersey next season, Lovodua said: “Ever since being a kid, I’ve always played in junior competitions for Fiji and it was a dream of mine to pull on the jersey for the senior side and represent mine and my parents heritage.
“Coming into that World Cup squad, I was one of the youngest in the squad, and being around the likes of huge names in Kikau, Vunivalu, Hayne, Sivo, was a massive learning experience for me.
“Those players and that experience helped me take my game to the next level, and it’s probably the proudestI’ve ever been; hearing the national anthem and running out with the team for your nation is something that I hold really close to my heart.
“The hymn we sing before the match is asking God to be with us and guide us during the battle – it resonates through your whole body and makes you even more proud of being a part of that team.”
He added: “It’s crazy how things work out; with the World Cup being postponed and moving to next year, and Fiji being based in Hull and playing there too – I’m motivated to have a big year for Hull, which hopefully should give me a chance to be involved in that squad.
“There are a lot of good Fijian players in both the NRL and Super League at the moment, but I’d take the chance with both hands if I was offered it.”
Lovodua also reflected on the memorable quarter-final victory over New Zealand back in 2017, in which his Fiji side claimed a historic 4-2 win to set up a semi-final against eventual winners Australia.
“The whole week leading into that game, we were the underdogs and nobody really gave us a chance. But we didn’t pay any attention to that and prepared like we would for any other game.
“We just wanted to go out there and give. I still watch the highlights to this day, and it is something that I’ll forever remember.
“It was a tight game but as soon as that hooter sounded, we just couldn’t believe what we had achieved. Hopefully those emerging nations claiming big wins like that is something we see more of in the near future.”
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