Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata is expressing his strong belief in the potential of his youthful squad ahead of the 2024 Pacific Bowl Championship. With several debutants on the roster, Kativerata emphasizes that the team’s goal extends beyond immediate results; it’s about building a stronger foundation for the future of Fijian rugby league.
This year’s Bati squad features about six or seven new faces, and Kativerata encourages these young players to use this opportunity to launch their careers in the NRL. He reflects on past successes, mentioning the rise of players like Caleb Navale and Kitione Kautoga, who were previously unknown in the NRL but have since established themselves as key players.
The coach appreciates the blend of overseas-based talent and local players, which he believes showcases the growing depth of rugby league in Fiji. He draws attention to standout young talent, such as Keresi Maya, who has earned his spot in the national team setup through hard work and dedication.
Beyond athletic prowess, Kativerata emphasizes the importance of character development. He aims to instill life lessons and discipline in his players, believing these experiences will shape them into not just elite athletes but also admirable individuals. “The lessons learned in camp will help the players on and off the field,” he notes, adding that spiritual discipline and humility are central to the team’s ethos.
Kativerata introduced a motto for the team: faith, family, and footy, which encapsulates their collective spirit both on and off the pitch. He feels that this principle grounds the players and fosters a strong team unity.
The Fiji Bati will kick off their Pacific Bowl campaign against the Cook Islands this Saturday in Papua New Guinea. Looking ahead, they will also face Papua New Guinea. The stakes are high as the Bati seeks to honor the legacy of departing former captain Kevin Naiqama, who plans to retire at the end of the season.
With Kativerata leading the charge, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the Fiji Bati as they aim not only to compete but to develop the next generation of rugby league stars. The upcoming matches present a great opportunity for these emerging talents to shine and further elevate the profile of Fiji on the international rugby league stage.
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