The 2024 Pacific Championship is poised to bring together prominent rugby league teams from the region for a series of matches approved by the NRL. The Fiji Bati will be competing in the tournament, where they will face off against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and the Cook Islands Aitu.
Fiji Bati’s coach, Waisake Kativerata, has confirmed that the team’s preparations are in full swing as they prepare to battle their two opponents next month. The training strategies will be bolstered by the inclusion of significant players such as Kini Vuniyayawa, Joe Lovodua, Waqa Blake, and Apisai Koroisau.
Additionally, team members like Viliame Kikau, Kevin Naiqama, and Mark Nawaqanitawase are expected to participate as well. The Bati will kick off their campaign against the PNG Kumuls on Saturday, October 19. The two teams met twice last year, with the Kumuls winning the championship final 32-12 and the Bati emerging victorious in their previous encounter with a score of 43-12.
Following their match against the Kumuls, the Bati will take on the Cook Islands, who they last faced in a tightly contested game that ended with the Bati winning 22-18. Coach Kativerata aims to build a strong team through the ongoing training sessions, which will include further practice in Savusavu.
The team is scheduled to depart for Savusavu in early November, once all players arrive in the country.