The Fiji national rugby league team is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming 2024 NRL Pacific Championships. This year is particularly significant as the team prepares to play on home turf for the first time in over twenty years.
The last occasion the Fiji Bati team played in Fiji dates back to 2001, under the coaching of Vula Dakuitoga. Coach Wise Kativerata announced that the team will gather on the 28th of this month, with seven players and six staff members heading to Savusavu and Labasa to promote rugby league in those areas.
Kativerata stated, “We will gather on the 28th of this month and about seven of them with six staff will go to Savusavu and Labasa, doing some rugby league promotion.” He emphasized that managing logistics and keeping families informed is a top priority, especially with many players currently engaged in the NRL.
“Some of our players have just finished playing in the NRL, while others are still active. It’s important to get all the logistics right and prepare the players in the best environment possible,” he added.
The coach confirmed the inclusion of prominent international players such as Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, and Kevin Naiqama in the squad, with Naiqama set to have a remarkable farewell as he plays his final season.
“We want to give him a memorable send-off during the Pacific Championship,” he said.
Kativerata has also called on the nation to support the team as they gear up for two weeks of exciting rugby league action during the Pacific Championship.