MELANI Nanai is primed to begin his Worcester Warriors career on the wing as he looks to “bed himself into the team”.

The Samoan-born speedster played a starring role at full-back for Blues, topping the charts in metres made in this year’s Super Rugby campaign.

Since his arrival at Warriors last month, director of rugby Alan Solomons has been impressed by the 26-year-old’s decision-making and evasive skills.

Solomons said Nanai’s versatility would be an “advantage” for Worcester this season but felt it would be “easier” for him to start on the flank.

“What we want is competition across the board,” Solomons said.

“I think that’s going to be healthy and will drive standards of the team.

“The fact that he is equally comfortable at full-back and wing is an advantage.

“Initially Melani has got to bed himself into the team and it is probably easier to do that, get used to our system and the guys around him on the wing rather than at full-back.”

Solomons said 6ft 4in Nanai had “slotted in seamlessly” after making the move from New Zealand and showcased his ability in training.

“His decision-making is superb,” Solomons said.

“He has got good evasive skills and is a good offloader of the ball.

“What is fantastic is that he is a great bloke. He has fitted incredibly well into the team.”

Nanai has also been in full training and is in the mix for selection for Warriors’ Premiership Cup opener against Leicester Tigers at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

“Melani is fit enough to be considered for Saturday but we have got to look at what we want to do there,” Solomons said.

“He is taking a full part in all our practises and has done since we returned for this block.

“There has been absolutely no problem at all so he is ready and available to be considered for the opening game.

“Not everyone can play. I would like to give everybody an opportunity over these two games and I can only pick 23.”