Canterbury Bulldogs hooker Penioni Tagituimua is anticipated to be included in the Fiji Bati squad today. This comes following the news that Wests Tigers captain and Fiji international Api Koroisau will be sidelined for the Pacific Championships due to a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle during his team’s defeat to the Eels.
Koroisau was penalized after his tackle on Clint Gutherson in the 52nd minute at Campbelltown Sports Stadium was deemed a Grade 2 offense. Given that it was his second violation, he received a three-game suspension with the option for an early guilty plea.
National coach Wise Kativerata expressed confidence in Tagituimua, stating, “In the past, Tagituimua has always given his best for the jersey. We saw that in the last World Cup, Tagituimua did a great job and we look forward to seeing him back in the squad.”
Tagituimua began his rugby league career in 2013 playing for the Nadera Panthers in the Vodafone Cup. In 2019, he made history as the sole player from the Fijian domestic league to be selected for Fiji’s squad in a mid-season match against Lebanon. Initially named as the 18th man, he was called up to make his Test debut off the bench due to injuries and other player unavailability during a decisive 56–14 victory.
Fiji Bati is set to begin their Pacific Bowl campaign against Papua New Guinea on Saturday, October 19, in Fiji, followed by a match against the Cook Islands a week later. The Pacific Bowl victor will compete against the third-placed team in the Pacific Cup on Sunday, November 10, at CommBank Stadium for a chance to secure a spot in next year’s tournament. The team announcement is expected today.