Sydney Roosters veteran Michael Jennings will join the Vodafone Fiji Bati for the 2024 Pacific Championship. At 36 years old, the centre previously represented Tonga in the last Rugby League World Cup and brings significant experience to the 21-member squad, which is missing key players due to injuries.
Returning players for the Bati include Kevin Naiqama, Maika Sivo, Waqa Blake, Tui Kamikamica, and Viliame Kikau, along with Premiership winner Sunia Turuva. The Bati will kick off their campaign by hosting the Papua New Guinea Kumuls next week, with their first match scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, at the HFC Bank Stadium at 8:10 PM.
The Vodafone Fiji Bati Squad is as follows: 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.