IF IN A WHIMSICAL mood, Fiji Rugby Union chairman Pio Bosco Tikoisuva might have started the announcement of his squad for Hong Kong by asking: 'Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news?'
He refrained, of course, and, only upon the entire selection being named did those assembled realise inspirational captain Isineli Naqelevuki was omitted due to injury and outstanding stalwart Saimoni Rokini had replaced him as both centre and skipper.
Rokini, popularly known as 'Rocky', entered Fijian folklore when, purely through the insistence of his cousin Waisaele Serevi, he was drafted into the starting line-up for the 1998 Hong Kong Sevens final and played superbly as Pacific arch-rivals Samoa were overcome 28-19.
He made a significant contribution to Fiji's success the next year too, before joining Serevi at Stade Montois in France and focusing upon the 15-a-side code. Rokini gathered 11 Test caps and was an unused 2003 World Cup squad member.
The 31-year-old's sevens outings have been limited in recent times. He crossed the English Channel for the 2002 Twickenham Sevens and in January led a Fijian Development line-up who triumphed at tournaments in Argentina and Chile.
Coach Senivalati Laulau certainly has no misgivings over Rokini's credentials, saying: 'He plays a good commanding role. His leadership is great on and off the pitch. The whole team has enormous respect for him and, needless to say, his playing ability is proven.'