The Junior Bati and Rise Rookies rugby league teams are gearing up for their international match against the Southwest Queensland Emus this Saturday. Under the auspices of the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) Academy, both teams entered camp last Sunday, committing to rigorous training sessions that have been taking place every morning at Albert Park in Suva.
The teams will travel to Lautoka on Friday, where they are set to compete at Churchill Park, with the match offering free entry to all spectators. This encounter is part of a larger initiative by the FNRL Academy, which has seen both teams achieve commendable results in their international fixtures over the past year. Notably, earlier in May, the Junior Bati triumphed over the Tonga under-18 team with a score of 28-12. However, the teams faced mixed outcomes in matches against the Caloundra State High School squads in October, resulting in a 14-all draw for the Bati and a defeat for the Rookies at 4-24.
Excitingly, the upcoming matches will feature the inclusion of three talented players from Rotuma who were scouted during a recent FNRL development tour to the island. The players—Gordon William Samuela, Winnie’ofa Morita Tatino, and Vamarasi Crizelmon Kafoa—are expected to bring additional strength to the teams.
This fixture is part of a cultural rugby league tour facilitated in collaboration with Petero Tours, aimed at providing schools the opportunity to compete against FNRL Academy teams. This initiative not only enriches the players’ experience but also contributes significantly to their development by exposing them to competitive play.
The first match between the Rookies and the Emus will kick off at 11 am, and anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting day of rugby that celebrates both sport and culture in Fiji.
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