Sia Soliola learning from 'Leipana' in NRL
Mar 29, 2017 - 4:32 PM He's the oldest player in Canberra's NRL squad to face Parramatta this weekend but Sia Soliola is still learning thanks to the lethal 'Leipana' right-edge combination.The 30-year-old will replace Elliott Whitehead at second row in Saturday's match at GIO Stadium after the English international accepted a one-match ban for tripping.
On the right for the Raiders, centre Joey Leilua and winger Jordan Rapana are among the competition's most dynamic attacking threats while five-eighth Blake Austin has started the season in strong form.
"You've got Leipana and Austo there - they've helped me grow," Soliola said.
"I've learnt new things, new lines to run and things like that.
"Given my age ... it's nice to still learn a few things."
Soliola started the first two games on the right while Whitehead deputised for injured skipper Jarrod Croker in the centres before coming off the bench to play in the middle in rounds three and four.
"It's nice to know that I can be a versatile player for the boys and fill wherever I need," Soliola said.
Soliola has already mapped out how he'll score against the Eels - sending a clear message to the right side attacking trio.
"They're really exciting players - Blake, Rapa and BJ (Leilua)," he said.
"I'll just tell Blake to pass the ball straight to those dudes and I'll get off the back of them.
"If anything the old bull can just go off the back of them and get a pass and score a try. Boys - that'd be nice."
Rapana and Leilua are set for a mouth-watering clash with Eels winger Semi Radradra and centre Michael Jennings set to line up on the left.
Source: AAP
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