Michael Warren

Journalist

A Douglas Shire rugby protégé who spent his formative years honing his game right here in Port Douglas has been rewarded with the highest honour possible in national rugby – a spot in Australia’s Wallabies squad for next month’s World Cup in France.

While Issak Fines-Leleiwasa hasn’t played any rugby in town since leaving at around 12 years of age, those who watched him play say even back then they always felt he was destined for higher honours.

Upon relocating from Douglas Fines-Leleiwasa went through the GPS school rugby system down south where he regularly made representative teams.

Newsport chatted with him at Sydney airport just a short time ago before he left for the tournament in France.

"It means a lot to make the squad, it's a step closer to the dream I had as a kid eventually represent the Wallabies," Fines-Leleiwasa told Newsport.

"It's been a long journey (to get here). I've had five years of playing professional rugby so to be one step closer is great.

"I'm happy to play anywhere Eddie and the team wants."

Meantime, a local rugby observer suggested the rugby talent was always destined for higher honours.

“As a young player he just had outstanding ability and could always read the play,” Dave Cotton said.

“I’m over the moon about his selection, it’s a credit to how hard he’s worked and how he has stuck at it.”

The Douglas Shire looks forward to supporting our home-grown product when the World Cup gets underway on September 8.