The excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 Pacific Bowl Championship has intensified following the announcement of the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad yesterday. The team is set to gather this weekend in preparation for their upcoming matches.
Fiji Bati will go up against Papua New Guinea on the 19th of this month, and then face the Cook Islands on the 26th at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Tui Kamikamica will captain the team for their opening match against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
Head coach Wise Kativerata shared insights on the team’s development, emphasizing the integration of younger players into the lineup. “Last year, if you looked at the squad, we had 11 players making their debut. It’s great to include the young talent; we have two debuting this year, alongside seven new faces,” Kativerata mentioned.
He underscored the team’s focus on essential skills such as ball control, possession, and effective defensive tactics. While acknowledging their strengths, Kativerata pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in one-on-one defensive situations.
Kativerata also recognized the skill level of the Papua New Guinea team, stating, “When you consider the Papua New Guinea side, they excel in rugby league, with many players participating in the Super League and NRL. In Fiji, we are striving to improve from the Vodafone Cup and raise the standards of rugby league, so our players can succeed.”
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.