Former Tonga and Australia rugby league player Michael Jennings delivered an impressive performance in the recent Pacific Bowl Championship, netting a hat-trick as the Fiji Bati overwhelmed the Cook Islands with a commanding 56-6 win on their home ground.
Throughout the match, the Bati scored a total of ten tries, highlighting their dominance and teamwork. Reflecting on his hat-trick, Jennings expressed his delight with both the victory and the overall atmosphere of the match, while hoping for a strong showing from the Cook Islands in their next game against Papua New Guinea.
“It’s great to secure a hat-trick and to finish with a win here in Fiji. We wish the Cook Islands success next week against Papua New Guinea to help us advance in the tournament,” Jennings shared. He added, “It’s a privilege and an honor to play like this in front of the Fijian crowd.”
Looking to the future, Jennings is optimistic about the Fiji Bati’s prospects as they prepare for the World Cup. He noted the team’s ongoing development and the participation of many young players who are benefiting from the experience.
“The future for Fiji Bati seems bright; we are continuously building our team as we move toward the World Cup. The enthusiasm from the crowd and the involvement of the younger generation is very promising,” he stated.
Jennings highlighted the significant bond of faith and unity among the players, which he believes enhances their performance.
“We hold strong beliefs, and I have seen a deep faith in God among my teammates, which is a noticeable difference compared to playing with Australia and Tonga. I am grateful to be part of this team and to represent my country,” he noted.
He also praised his teammates, including Viliame Kikau and Tui Kamikamica, for their contributions and dedication to representing Fiji with pride. Jennings stressed the need for developing more players domestically to elevate Fiji’s status within the rugby league, aspiring to compete with top-tier nations.
By serving as role models for younger players, Jennings and his teammates aim to bolster the sport in Fiji and continue attracting talent to the national team. The Fiji Bati will now await the outcome of the match between the PNG Kumuls and the Cook Islands this week to clarify their route to the final of the 2024 Pacific Championships.
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