As the NRL Pacific Championship approaches later this month, the Fiji Bati team is finalizing its plans ahead of preparations for the tournament. Coach Wise Kativerata announced that the team will enter camp on the 12th of this month, with players currently focusing on individual training.
The selection for both the men’s and women’s teams will be made following the NRL Grand Final, where the Penrith Panthers will face the Melbourne Storm this Sunday. Kativerata emphasized the inclusion of experienced players along with the debut of newcomers and overseas-based athletes. He mentioned that local players will showcase their skills through matches with the Saru Dragons and Fiji Residents.
“We need to assess how we can balance the team, as the local players (Residents) will compete against Samoa,” he stated. Additionally, he noted that the Saru Dragons are set to play against Papua New Guinea, providing valuable game time with only one week of preparation remaining.
As excitement grows for the championship, Kativerata encouraged supporters to rally behind the Fiji Bati team. “We just want to give a shout out to the people of Fiji to come and support the Fiji Bati,” he said.
The Fiji Bati will face the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on October 26.