Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Waisake Kativerata has declared that the team’s objective is to win the Pacific Bowl Championship, which kicks off next Saturday. His comments came after announcing his squad, which will be led by Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm.
Among the team members is Sunia Turuva from the Penrith Panthers, who recently scored a try in their victory over the Storm during the NRL Grand Final. Kativerata emphasized that the team is not participating just to fill spots.
In an unexpected choice, he has included veteran center Michael Jennings, a 36-year-old who has played for the national teams of Tonga and Australia. Other notable players in the lineup are Maika Sivo from the Parramatta Eels, Semi Valemei from the North Queensland Cowboys, Viliame Kikau of the Canterbury Bulldogs, and Kurt Donoghoe from the Dolphins.
Kativerata expressed his appreciation for Jennings joining the Bati, noting that his family has ties to Rotuma and Nadi. He also mentioned the inclusion of promising talent Jethro Rinakama, who may make his international debut.
The Fiji Bati is set to compete against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and the Cook Islands on October 19 and 26, respectively, at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, marking their first match in Fiji since 2021. Kativerata acknowledged the strength of both opponents, who have experienced players from NRL, Queensland Cup, and Super League.
He stated, “I know it’s a short turn-around so we have to keep it simple. We need to focus on the basics like ball control and solid defense. Each game is crucial, and we have to treat every match as a final.”
This championship will also hold significance as the team bids farewell to former captain Kevin Naiqama, who plans to retire at the end of the year. Kativerata also mentioned that Api Koroisau is serving a three-match ban, which is why he was not selected, while new player Mark Nawaqanitawase will take a break after transferring from rugby union.
Additionally, three local players — Keresi Maya, Ifereimi Tovilevu, and Lemeki Kurumacaiwai — have been brought on to train with the Fiji Bati during the championship.
In other news, five local players have been added to the Fiji Bulikula squad, which will be co-led 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, and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
The Fiji Bulikula team includes: 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.