The Vodafone Fiji Bati has ramped up their training intensity in preparation for a critical match against the Cook Islands, taking place tomorrow at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This information was relayed by head coach Wise Kativerata.
Kativerata emphasized that the team’s focus this week is on completing their plays and improving their kicking. “We understand that we can score points from anywhere, but we can’t be effective if we’re constantly on the defensive,” he stated. He noted the importance of learning from the mistakes made in last Saturday’s game against Papua New Guinea.
“This match is pivotal as we aim to finish the Pacific Bowl Championship on a strong note. We acknowledge Papua New Guinea’s performance, but our players must be ready for the Cook Islands,” Kativerata added.
He expressed his satisfaction that international rugby league is now being played in Fiji. “I can’t thank the fans enough, and we are building towards the Rugby League World Cup,” he said. “We have future Fiji Bati players emerging as we prepare for the next World Cup.”
Kativerata has been pleased with the players’ communication during training sessions. “They are talking more and enjoying themselves, which is encouraging,” he remarked. He also mentioned that James Valevatu has performed well for Wests in the reserve grade and that they would evaluate him during this week’s training.
He plans to assess the performance of the players after the tournament. Notably, some Bati players in the NRL who were unable to participate in the championship due to suspensions and injuries include Api Koroisau, Mika Ravalawa, Daniel Safaiti, Jacob Safaiti, Marcelo Montoya, and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
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