When it comes to Rugby League, only Noa Nadruku can claim to being the Original Fijian Flyer. He was tagged with this nickname after a sensational rookie season in 1993 scoring a record 22 tries, the most of any player in his rookie year. This record still stands to this day and was only matched in 2016 by Suliasi Vunivalu. He was one part of the legendary “Green Machine” in the early to mid 90’s.

Noa first appeared for the Fiji national 15’s team in 1988 and played 5 games up until 1991. He was also a lethal Sevens player playing alongside Waisale Serevi and Tomasi Cama.

Blessed with blinding speed and the ability to beat defenders, usually with a goose-step or a in-and-away, combined with his pace.

In 1992 while playing for the Fiji Bati in the Rugby League World Sevens he was scouted by then Canberra coach Tim Sheens. Nadruku was signed and would go on to forge a great career in the 13 man code, paving the way for other Fijians.

He topped the try scorers again in 1996 with 21 tries in 21 games and would finish his career with the North Queensland Cowboys. In a trial match earlier in the season, the Raiders and Adelaide Rams played a match in Suva, a match which the Raiders won and Nadruku lit up the home crowd with two outstanding tries.

The Trailblazer retired a legend in Fiji Rugby and a household name in Rugby League. Fijian wingers who later followed his path were all eventually compared to the Original Fijian Flyer.