Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Waisake Kativerata is determined to secure victory in the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship, which begins next Saturday. His comments came after announcing the squad, which will be led by captain Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm.
Included in the lineup is Sunia Turuva from the Penrith Panthers, who recently scored in their 14-6 victory over the Storm in the NRL Grand Final. Kativerata emphasized that the team is not participating just to fill spots.
In a surprising choice, veteran center Michael Jennings has been named. The 36-year-old has previously played for both the Tonga and Australia national rugby league teams. Other notable players selected are Maika Sivo from the Parramatta Eels, Semi Valemei from the North Queensland Cowboys, Viliame Kikau from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and Kurt Donoghoe from the Dolphins.
Kativerata expressed gratitude to Jennings for choosing to represent the Bati, highlighting his familial ties to Rotuma and Nadi. The coach also pointed out the potential debut of promising player Jethro Rinakama.
The Fiji Bati will take on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Cook Islands on October 19 and 26, respectively, at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, marking their first match in Fiji since 2021. Kativerata acknowledged the experience of players from both competing teams, who participate in the NRL, Queensland Cup, and Super League.
He emphasized the need for simplicity and focus: “We have to do the little things right like controlling the ball and have the right type of defense – one on one. PNG live and breathe rugby league. There is no easy game now in rugby league; every game we have to count it as a final.”
The Pacific Bowl Championship will also hold special significance as it will be the farewell event for former captain Kevin Naiqama, who plans to retire at the end of the year. Kativerata mentioned that Api Koroisau is serving a three-match ban, which led to his exclusion, while new addition Mark Nawaqanitawase is resting after his transition from rugby union. Additionally, three local players—Keresi Maya, Ifereimi Tovilevu, and Lemeki Kurumacaiwai—will train with the Fiji Bati during the championship.
In related news, five local players have been named in the Fiji Bulikula squad, which will be co-captained by Teaghan Hartigan and Canberra Raiders’ Sereana Naitokatoka. The squad also features former Fijiana Drua winger Vitalina Naikore and Wests Tigers talent Losana Lutu. Tickets for the matches are available through online platforms, 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, and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
The Fiji Bulikula squad consists of:
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, and Luisa Yaranamua.