As preparations intensify for the upcoming NRL Pacific Championship later this month, the Fiji Bati team is finalizing its plans. Coach Wise Kativerata announced that the team will enter camp on the 12th of this month, while players are currently focusing on their individual training.
“The boys are working on their training individually,” said Kativerata. The final selection of both the men’s and women’s teams will take place after the NRL grand final, which features the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm this Sunday.
Kativerata highlighted the inclusion of seasoned players alongside new faces and those joining from international teams. He mentioned that local players will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities through matches with the Saru Dragons and Fiji Residents.
“We need to sit down and see how we can balance out the players; the local players (Residents) will play against Samoa,” he noted. “The Saru Dragons will face Papua New Guinea, which is beneficial for everyone, considering we have only one week to prepare.”
As excitement grows for the championship, Kativerata urged the public to show support for the Fiji Bati team. “We just want to give a shout out to the people of Fiji to come and support the Fiji Bati.”
The Fiji Bati will compete against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on October 26.