Marika Koroibete re-signs with Rugby Australia

Colin Newboult

September 7, 2019, Sydney, NSW, USA: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Marika Koroibete of the Wallabies on his way to score a try during the international rugby test match between the Australian Wallabies and Manu Samoa on September 07, 2019 at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire) (Credit Image: © Speed Media/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press)

Wallabies speedster Marika Koroibete has given his side a huge boost on the eve of their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji by inking a new two-year contract extension to remain with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels through 2021.

Koroibete exploded onto the international scene in 2017 after six seasons in the National Rugby League, making his Wallabies debut against Argentina in Canberra.

The potent finisher has since established himself as a regular in the Wallabies starting line-up, posing a constant threat in both attack and defence.

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

The former Fiji rugby league international has started 22 of his 24 Tests for the Wallabies, converting those appearances into nine tries, including a spectacular solo effort in Australia’s recent win over Samoa in Sydney.

In his three seasons of Super Rugby, the 27-year-old has crossed for 16 tries and is a key re-signing for the Rebels as they chase a maiden finals appearance in 2020.

“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.”

Melbourne Rebels