Michael Jennings is set to join the Vodafone Fiji Bati later this month, as head coach Wise Kativerata has included the former Tonga and Australia international in his 21-member squad for the upcoming 2024 Pacific Bowl Championship. The Bati team will compete against Papua New Guinea on October 19 and the Cook Islands on October 26 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Jennings, who was approached by former Fiji Bati coach Joe Rabele during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, initially chose to play for Tonga but has now agreed to represent Fiji this year. At 36 years old, he is the oldest player selected by Kativerata and has ties to Rotuma. His extensive experience, with 300 NRL games under his belt, will be invaluable for the younger Bati team, which will be captained by Tui Kamikamica.