Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Waisake Kativerata is determined to secure victory in the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship, set to begin next Saturday. His remarks followed the announcement of the team, which will be led by Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm.
Among the squad is Penrith Panthers wing Sunia Turuva, who recently contributed a try to his team during their 14-6 win against the Storm in the NRL Grand Final. Kativerata emphasized that the team is not participating just to fill the ranks.
In an unexpected choice, veteran center Michael Jennings has been named in the lineup. The 36-year-old has previously represented both Tonga and Australia in rugby league. Also part of the roster are Parramatta Eels’ Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei from North Queensland Cowboys, Canterbury Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau, and Kurt Donoghoe who plays for the Dolphins.
Kativerata expressed his gratitude to Jennings for joining the Bati, highlighting his family connections to Rotuma and Nadi. He also pointed out the inclusion of rising star Jethro Rinakama, who might make his international debut.
The Fiji Bati will take on Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Cook Islands on October 19 and 26, respectively, at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, where they last competed in 2021.
Kativerata acknowledged that both opponents have experienced athletes participating in the NRL, Queensland Cup, and Super League. He noted the tight time frame leading up to the games and stressed the importance of sticking to the basics, such as ball control and solid defensive strategies.
He remarked, “There is no easy game now in rugby league, every game we have to count it as a final. The boys know their job; we’re here not to make the numbers.”
The Pacific Bowl Championship will also mark a significant occasion for the Bati as they pay tribute to former captain Kevin Naiqama, who plans to retire at the end of the year. Kativerata confirmed that Api Koroisau is serving a three-match suspension, excluding him from the selection, while newcomer Mark Nawaqanitawase requires some rest after his transition from rugby union. Three local players—Keresi Maya, Ifereimi Tovilevu, and Lemeki Kurumacaiwai—have also been invited to train with the Fiji Bati during the championship.
In related news, five local athletes have been selected for the Fiji Bulikula squad, which will be co-captained by Teaghan Hartigan and Sereana Naitokatoka from the Canberra Raiders. Former Fijiana Drua winger Vitalina Naikore and Wests Tigers standout Losana Lutu are also part of the team.
Tickets for the matches are available online, at Jacks stores, and Damodar Cinemas.
The Fiji Bati squad includes:
Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Taane Milne, Jethro Rinakama, Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jordan Miller, Nathan Kegg-Smith, Kylan Mafoa, Ben Nakubuwai, Peni Tagituimua, Joe Lovodua, James Valevatu, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
The Fiji Bulikula squad comprises:
Ilisapeci Bari, Rusila Camaibure, Asenaca Diranuve, Teaghan Hartigan, Talei Holmes, Mere Kilawekana, Sienna Laing, Losana Lutu, Sereana Maragi, Ateca Naicaucauceva, Vitalina Naikore, Sereana Naitokatoka, Taina Naividi, Aliti Namoce, Ema Rainima, Abigayle Sekitoga, Anastasia Shum, Latisha Smythe, Cassandra Staple, Nanise Vakacavu, Luisa Yaranamua.