Two prominent rugby league nations, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, are poised to face off in a significant match in Suva as they commence their Pacific Bowl campaign.
With the introduction of promotion and relegation in 2024, the stakes extend beyond national pride; the winner will compete against the third-placed team from the Pacific Cup for a spot in the 2025 Pacific Cup pool.
This makes winning the opening match even more vital, especially in front of a passionate audience at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where dynamic football is anticipated.
The Bati and Kumuls met twice during last year’s Pacific Championships, with each team securing a win. However, this match marks the Bati’s return to home soil for a Test for the first time since 2000, and captain Tui Kamikamica is preparing his team for the challenge.
Fans can expect an intense battle in the forwards, with Kamikamica and Ben Nakubuwai aiming to set the stage for Bulldogs star Viliame Kikau to excel on the flanks, while the Kumuls’ NRL duo of Jacob Alick and Jack de Belin strive to gain ground in the middle.
Team News:
Fiji Bati: Tui Kamikamica from Storm will lead a highly experienced Bati team that features former captain Kevin Naiqama, who will play his 25th Test match, alongside powerful winger Maika Sivo in his 11th Test for Fiji and Viliame Kikau in his 17th Test. Sunia Turuva, a Panthers premiership winner, will be the fullback, with Dolphins playmaker Kurt Donoghoe wearing the No. 7 jersey. NRL forwards Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles) and Kitione Kautoga (Bulldogs) return to the squad after playing in last year’s Pacific Championships.
PNG Kumuls: Captain Rhyse Martin leads the Kumuls, which includes Jack de Belin at lock, Lachlan Lam at halfback, and Nene Macdonald at fullback. With star hooker Edwin Ipape injured, Judah Rimbu will fill the No. 9 position after an impressive performance for the PM’s XIII. Five-eighth Kyle Laybutt will play his 12th Test and work alongside Lam, who has played 10 Tests. Titans forward Jacob Alick will lead the front line, returning after representing the Kumuls in the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Pacific Championships.
Stat Attack:
– Fiji is playing their first Test at home since a 10-6 victory over Tonga in June 2000.
– The Kumuls have secured four wins out of their last six Tests against Fiji Bati.
– Fiji’s winger Maika Sivo has scored nine tries in 10 Test matches.
– The Kumuls field eight players with NRL experience but only two played in the year 2024.
– Bati captain Tui Kamikamica and winger Sunia Turuva featured in the NRL grand final on October 6.
– Last year, the Kumuls averaged 31 points per game in their Pacific Bowl victory.