THE Australian Fijian Rugby League side won the trophy final at the Cabramatta 9s tournament in Sydney over the weekend after beating Mounties.
The side, which had the services of Fijian star Wes Naiqama, beat Mounties 26-6.
The tournament consisted of 16 teams, comprising of 4 pools. There were a number of club sides from the NSW Premier League and Jim Beam Cup competitions such as the Balmain Tigers, Wests Magpies, Cabramatta and Mounties as well as International sides such as the Cook Islands, Portugal, American Samoa and Japan.
The Tigers beat the Cook Islands in the cup final.
Fiji Bati reps Sevanaia Koroi and Tomujani Koroi featured for the Wests Magpies.
The Australian Fijians got off to a slow start against the Shellharbour Marlins in there first outing. The Marlins won 14-4 in wet conditions.
The Arthur Kinitas-coached side returned to beat American Samoa 10-4, Portugal 18-10 and the Australian Indigenous 18-10 to book a place in the trophy final.
An 80-metre try by Nacanieli Kinikini in the final got the crowd to their feet as Naiqama put in a try saving tackle.
The Australian Fijians are now preparing for the Valley 8s on February 23. The side was previous winners of this tournament in 2005.
Meanwhile, the Australian Fijians recently had there 2007 presentation night.
Prize winners included Peter Delaivuna, Livai Wara, Hamilton Hughes and Nacanieli Kinikini.
The Petero Civoniceva medal, which is awarded to the most outstanding player of Fijian heritage, went to Jarryd Hayne of the Parramatta Eels.
Newcastle Knights Akuila Uate won the James Pickering rising star award with Eloni Vunakece taking home the Noa Nadruku medal for outstanding contributions.
The Australian Fijians: Billy Baleilomaloma, Nacanieli Kinikini, Danny Kaloudonu. Gilbert Modrau, Wes Naiqama, Puna Rasaubale, Pio Rokomaqisa, Joseph Swamy, Etuate Tavai, Rodney Tagivetaua, Eloni Vunakece, Esala Vute, Lepani Waqa, Samu Wara. Coach: Arthur Kitinas, Manager: Phill Browne, Trainers: Anthony Rule and Jed Stewart.
