League: Chand in a league of his own

Pikiao winger Roderick Chand has been in great form for his new club.

Forget Akuila Uate, Pikiao winger Roderick Chand is the new Fijian flyer.

Chand has scored four tries in two starts for Pikiao's premier team this season including a hat-trick against cross-town rivals Ngongotaha.

The 21-year-old can play at centre or on the wing but said he prefers the latter.

"I can play centre, but I like it out on the wing because no one can catch me."

Chand was born and raised in Fiji and grew up playing rugby league at school before representing the Fijian under-18 team. He moved to New Zealand in 2010 to attend Rotorua Boys' High School where he started playing rugby union.

Since leaving school in 2011, he has played club rugby for Rotoiti and Kahukura but decided to go back to league this year.

"I'm loving it. I love league," he said. "In union you can sneak out and lie down in a ruck, but in rugby league you can't hide."

Chand said he wanted to go back to league earlier, after leaving high school, but did not want to play on Sundays.

Chand said his boss at Red Stag Timber asked him to play for Pikiao this season and the rest was history.

"He wanted me to play for them because they needed a fast winger."

He said it was a great feeling to score a hat-trick on debut earlier this season, especially with his family watching.

"It was amazing. I didn't think I would score three tries. But we played well and I was really fit."

Chand will line up against Forestland tomorrow at Puketawhero Park where he will look to boost his try-scoring statistics.

"I have scored four tries and hope to score more this Saturday."

Chand is not the only Fijian winger in the team, with Livai Sakeo returning from injury tomorrow to play on the opposite wing.

Pikiao club registration officer Lexia Lingman said Chand lifted the team this year and he was great to watch.

"We call him the Flying Fijian. He has literally flown over players towards the tryline," she said. "And every time he scores a try he runs over to his mum and gives her a hug."

Pikiao coach Doug Unuwai said it would be a tough test tomorrow against Forestland (Tokoroa).

"It is only early in the season when everyone is going through the re-build and it is a bit unpredictable, so we are not going to take them lightly."

Pikiao have won both their matches this season and will meet the only other undefeated side Pacific (Tokoroa) next weekend at Memorial Park.