The Vodafone Fiji Bati will face the Cook Islands Aitu tonight, with a victory crucial for their chances of qualifying for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The Bati’s aspirations suffered a setback last Saturday when they lost to the Papua New Guinea Kumuls 22-10 in front of a home crowd at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Despite the recent defeat, head coach Wise Kativerata emphasizes the importance of tonight’s match. He states it is vital not just for the team but for Fiji Rugby League as they aim to build momentum towards the World Cup. Kativerata noted that last week’s score does not fully capture the team’s challenges, urging focus on the fundamental issues that need improvement, such as intercepts that the Kumuls exploited during the game.
As the Bati prepare to take on the Cook Islands, there is still hope for World Cup qualification, depending on the Cook Islands’ performance against the Kumuls next month in Port Moresby. The match between the Bati and the Cooks is scheduled for 8:10 PM at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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