The Fijian flyer discovered by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler carrying bags in a Suva Hotel has knocked back a Super Rugby deal to keep his NRL dream alive at St George Illawarra.

Eto Nabuli risked everything two years ago after a chance meeting with the NRL greats, to come to Australia and link with the Penrith Panthers having never played rugby league before.

But after failing to come to terms with the Panthers for a new deal beyond this season, it appeared Nabuli’s hopes of playing in the NRL might have been dashed.

Australian Super Rugby franchise Western Force had tabled an attractive offer to the 26-year-old winger, but Nabuli told his manager he wasn’t ready to leave the 13-man game.

Due to be married in Fiji later this week with Fittler and Johns among the guests, Nabuli has received some more good news, accepting a two-year contract to join the Dragons.

With speculation surrounding the future of Test winger Brett Morris in the red v, the timing might be good for Nabuli, who is yet to crack a first grade debut.

“The Force came up with a really good two-year offer, but the (NSW Cup) finals series reinvigorated his passion for rugby league and made him realise it was his passion,” Nabuli’s manager George Christodoulou told AAP.

“He’s rolled the dice again. Hopefully he can finally achieve his goal.”

In one of the most remarkable league stories of the past few years, Fittler and Johns were in Fiji on a talent-spotting mission when they were taken aback by the physical presence of Nabuli carrying bags in the hotel foyer.

The pair got Nabuli out on the training paddock and were impressed by his raw ability.

Not long after Nabuli had been offered a lifeline by Penrith, where he has starred on the wing for their NSW Cup team – winning this year’s premiership and just falling short of winning the inaugural State Championship.

He has made incredible sacrifice to get this far, leaving his partner and young baby back home to pursue his dream of making a better life for his family.

Speaking after Sunday’s State Championship loss to the Northern Pride, Nabuli said he was desperate to stay in the NRL.

“I want to play first grade,” Nabuli said.

“I’m happy to stay in the NRL because the first time I played league I really liked it.”

At the Panthers, Nabuli was stuck behind the likes of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, David Simmons, Josh Mansour and Kevin Naiqama.