Australian · Suva, Fiji · Born 26 July 1992Marika Koroibete is a hard-running winger who switched from rugby league to become one of Australia's most destructive attacking players.
Ratu Marika Koroibete was born on 26 July 1992 in Naraiyawa, Fiji, and grew up on a remote family farm, first playing rugby union for Nasinu Secondary School before moving to Australia as a teenager to pursue rugby league. He signed with the Wests Tigers before transferring to the Melbourne Storm, where over three seasons he scored 34 tries in 58 NRL appearances and represented both Fiji and Australia at rugby league. Koroibete switched codes to rugby union in 2016, joining the Melbourne Rebels and qualifying for the Wallabies under the residency rule, making his Test debut against Argentina in 2017. His combination of blistering speed, powerful ball-carrying, and prolific finishing quickly established him as one of the most feared wingers in world rugby, earning him the nickname "the Human Missile." Koroibete won the John Eales Medal as Australia's best international player in both 2019 and 2022 — a rare feat for a winger — and represented the Wallabies at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. All Blacks winger Will Jordan credited him with "setting the benchmark for wingers" during his peak years in the early 2020s. Koroibete moved to Japan's Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, winning the League One title, and announced his retirement from Wallabies duty in October 2025 after 63 Test caps and 20 tries, potentially leaving the door open to representing Fiji, the country of his birth, at a future tournament.
Powerful Fiji-born Wallabies winger, dual-code international
How They Played
Koroibete is known for his exceptional speed and acceleration, making him a constant threat with ball in hand. His rugby league background gives him superior defensive skills for a winger, often shutting down opposition attacking raids. He combines raw pace with good footwork and the ability to break tackles in tight spaces.
Lasting Impact
Koroibete proved that elite athletes can successfully transition between rugby codes at the highest level, inspiring other players to make similar switches.
Career Honours
- John Eales Medal winner
- Wallaby of the Year
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Rebels | 2017–2022 | 59 | 16 | #11 |
 Australia | — | 46 | 8 | — |
Australian Athletes