Two esteemed rugby league nations, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, are preparing for a significant showdown in Suva as they commence their Pacific Bowl campaign.
With the stakes heightened by the introduction of promotion and relegation in 2024, the match will not only be about national pride; the victorious team will earn a chance to compete against the third-placed nation from the Pacific Cup for a spot in the 2025 tournament.
The opening match is critical for both sides, especially in front of a passionate crowd at HFC Bank Stadium, promising an exciting display of rugby.
Last year, the Bati and Kumuls faced each other twice during the Pacific Championships with one win each. However, this contest marks the Bati’s first home Test since 2000, and Tui Kamikamica is set to lead his team expertly into this pivotal encounter.
Fans should anticipate an intense forward contest as Kamikamica and Ben Nakubuwai aim to establish a dominant stance, allowing Bulldogs star Viliame Kikau to showcase his talents on the flanks. Meanwhile, the Kumuls’ NRL duo of Jacob Alick and Jack de Belin will battle fiercely in the midfield.
Team News:
Fiji Bati will be captained by Storm’s Tui Kamikamica and boasts an experienced lineup featuring former captain Kevin Naiqama, set to make his 25th Test appearance, alongside Maika Sivo, who will appear in his 11th Test, and Viliame Kikau in his 17th. Panthers’ premiership winner Sunia Turuva will serve as fullback, while Dolphins’ Kurt Donoghoe takes the position of halfback. Emerging NRL forwards Caleb Navale and Kitione Kautoga return after participating in the prior year’s Pacific Championships.
For the PNG Kumuls, Rhyse Martin leads a talented squad that includes Jack de Belin in the lock position, Lachlan Lam as halfback, and Nene Macdonald at fullback. With star hooker Edwin Ipape currently injured, Judah Rimbu steps in after a standout performance for the PM’s XIII. Five-eighth Kyle Laybutt, playing in his 12th Test, will team with Lam, who has ten Tests under his belt. Titans forward Jacob Alick, with experience from the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Pacific Championships, will anchor the forward pack.
Stat Attack:
– This marks Fiji’s first Test at home since a 10-6 victory over Tonga in June 2000.
– The Kumuls have secured victories in four of their last six Tests against Fiji Bati.
– Fiji’s Maika Sivo has scored nine tries in ten Test games.
– The Kumuls feature eight players with NRL experience, though only two have played in 2024.
– Bati captain Tui Kamikamica and winger Sunia Turuva participated in the recent NRL Grand Final on October 6.
– The Kumuls averaged 31 points per game en route to winning last year’s Pacific Bowl.