In a commanding performance, veteran player Michael Jennings netted three tries as the Vodafone Fiji Bati handed the Cook Islands a decisive 56-6 defeat in their second match of the NRL Pacific Bowl Championship in Suva.
The match began with the Cook Islands striking first, thanks to a quick try by Rua Ngatikaura. However, Fiji quickly recovered and demonstrated their dominance by scoring four tries in response. Sunia Turuva opened the scoring for Fiji, followed by Jennings who added two more tries. Kitione Kautoga capped off the first half with another try, while Taane Milne successfully converted each attempt, leading to a 24-6 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw Fiji completely take control, overpowering the Cook Islands’ defense and scoring six additional tries, contributed by Semi Valemei (2), Maika Sivo (2), Jennings, and Ben Nakubuwai. Milne had an impressive performance, covering 230 meters, and managing seven conversions along with three offloads.
This victory keeps Fiji Bati’s hopes alive for the Pacific Bowl and a chance at promotion to the Pacific Cup in 2025. To advance, they will now rely on the Cook Islands to defeat Papua New Guinea in the upcoming Week 3 match.
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