Vunivalu counts himself lucky to be playing in the NRL

Melbourne Storm star wing Suliasi Vunivalu counts himself lucky to be playing alongside some of the big names in Rugby League in the NRL competition.

Vunivalu who hails from Navave village in Bua spoke to Fijivillage from Melbourne today just before their skills session ahead of their semifinal clash against the Raiders this Saturday.

The 20-year-old says scoring 23 tries on his debut season was unexpected but he is thankful for the opportunity and the support of his fellow countryman, Marika Koroibete who he always looks up to as his older brother on the field.

Vunivalu says he never dreamt of playing for the Storm as he is just a local boy from Toorak who attended Nehru Memorial Primary.

Two weeks ago, Vunivalu who also went to Lelean Memorial School scored a 70 metre try against the Cowboys where he outpaced Kangaroos and Maroons halfback Jonathan Thurston.

Vunivalu, Panthers teenage playmaker Nathan Cleary and Titans playmaker Ashley Taylor are all in the race to be named the NRL Rookie of the Year.

In round 24, he bagged four tries against the Sea Eagles to make it 21 tries for the season, which was the same amount of tries Storm flyer Israel Folau scored in his rookie campaign in 2007. Folau was the last wing to be crowned the best rookie.

Vunivalu attended Nehru Memorial Primary School from class 1 to class 8, joined Lelean for forms 3 and 4 before he was offered a scholarship at Saint Kentigern College, Auckland in 2011 before signing for the Storm at the age of 17.

He is expected to play alongside Koroibete again this weekend against the Raiders.

The Storm will host the Raiders at 9.40pm Saturday while the Sharks will meet the Cowboys at 9.55pm Friday.