Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Waisake Kativerata is serious about their goal to win the Pacific Bowl Championship, commencing next Saturday. Kativerata expressed his determination following the announcement of his squad, led by captain Tui Kamikamica, who plays for the Melbourne Storm.
Included in the team is Sunia Turuva from the Penrith Panthers, who recently scored a try in their victorious NRL Grand Final against the Storm. Kativerata emphasized that the team is not participating just to make up the numbers.
In an unexpected decision, veteran center Michael Jennings has been named to the squad. The 36-year-old has represented both the Tonga and Australia national rugby league teams. Other notable players include Maika Sivo from the Parramatta Eels, North Queensland Cowboys’ Semi Valemei, Viliame Kikau from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and Kurt Donoghoe from the Dolphins.
Kativerata expressed gratitude to Jennings for joining the Fiji Bati, highlighting his ties to the region through his mother and grandfather. The coach also pointed out the inclusion of rising star Jethro Rinakama, who may be making his international debut.
The Fiji Bati will compete against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Cook Islands on October 19 and 26, respectively, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Their last game in Fiji was in 2021.
Kativerata acknowledged the experience both opponents possess, with players participating in the NRL, Queensland Cup, and Super League. He stated the importance of keeping their strategy straightforward due to the quick turnaround before the matches. “We have to execute the basics correctly, such as ball control and solid one-on-one defense. Every game must be treated as a final; we’re not here just to be part of the event,” he remarked.
The upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship will also hold significance as it marks the farewell of former captain Kevin Naiqama, who plans to retire after this season. Kativerata noted that Api Koroisau is currently serving a three-match ban, while new addition Mark Nawaqanitawase requires rest after transitioning from rugby union. Additionally, three local players—Keresi Maya, Ifereimi Tovilevu, and Lemeki Kurumacaiwai—have been chosen to train with the Fiji Bati during the championship.
In other news, five local players have been selected for the Fiji Bulikula squad, co-captained by Teaghan Hartigan and Sereana Naitokatoka of the Canberra Raiders. Notable names in the roster include former Fijiana Drua winger Vitalina Naikore and rising star Losana Lutu from the Wests Tigers.
Tickets for the matches are available for purchase online, as well as at Jacks stores and Damodar Cinemas.
The Fiji Bati squad includes Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Taane Milne, Jethro Rinakama, Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jordan Miller, Nathan Kegg-Smith, Kylan Mafoa, Ben Nakubuwai, Peni Tagituimua, Joe Lovodua, James Valevatu, and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
The Fiji Bulikula lineup features Ilisapeci Bari, Rusila Camaibure, Asenaca Diranuve, Teaghan Hartigan, Talei Holmes, Mere Kilawekana, Sienna Laing, Losana Lutu, Sereana Maragi, Ateca Naicaucauceva, Vitalina Naikore, Sereana Naitokatoka, Taina Naividi, Aliti Namoce, Ema Rainima, Abigayle Sekitoga, Anastasia Shum, Latisha Smythe, Cassandra Staple, Nanise Vakacavu, and Luisa Yaranamua.