The Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata shared insights into the team’s approach as they look forward to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Following a recent setback where they lost 18-50 to the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in the Pacific Bowl, Kativerata remains optimistic about the team’s potential for improvement. He noted that the preparation time for the World Cup, in contrast to the shorter timeframe for the Pacific Championship, will allow for more comprehensive training and strategy development.
“The World Cup will be different; we have weeks to prepare,” Kativerata stated, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and planning to enhance their performance. He believes that now is the time to regroup, consult with senior players, and leverage their experiences to guide the younger talents.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from their recent matches, Kativerata views the past few years positively, highlighting player development and the influx of new talent into the squad. Despite facing challenges—such as injuries and the dominance of rugby union in Fiji—he finds encouragement in the growth of young players who are beginning to make their marks on the international stage. He pointed out that contracts from the NRL are increasingly being offered to Fijian players, which is a significant boost for their careers.
In preparation for the next World Cup, Kativerata emphasized the importance of developing character and discipline within the team, aligning with his vision of instilling values that extend beyond the game. He introduced a motto for the team: “faith, family, and footy,” encapsulating the collective spirit they uphold as they forge ahead.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a monumental event, featuring 26 teams across men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions, playing 51 matches over five weeks. This tournament marks an opportunity for Fiji to showcase its rugby league abilities on a global scale, and the enthusiasm surrounding the team’s preparations hints at a bright future for Fijian rugby league. Under Kativerata’s guidance, the Fiji Bati is eager to capitalize on the lessons learned from past experiences while celebrating the emergence of the next generation of rugby league stars.
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