Michael Jennings, a seasoned player from the Sydney Roosters, will be joining the Vodafone Fiji Bati for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Championship. At 36 years old, Jennings previously represented Tonga during the last Rugby League World Cup, adding considerable experience to the 21-member squad that is currently missing key players due to injuries.
The Bati will see the return of notable players including Kevin Naiqama, Maika Sivo, Waqa Blake, Tui Kamikamica, and Viliame Kikau, along with Premiership winner Sunia Turuva. Their first match will take place next week on Saturday, October 19th, against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:10 PM.
The official Vodafone 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.