THE Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) will need more than $2 million to fund the Vodafone Fiji Bati and Vodafone Fiji Bulikula campaign at this year’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with officials stepping up efforts to secure additional financial backing.
FNRL executive chairman Rajesh Singh said the governing body had already received valuable support from major sponsor Vodafone but acknowledged further assistance would be needed to ensure Fiji could compete strongly at the global showpiece.
“We are looking at a budget of a bit over $2m. We have Vodafone as our sponsor but we will try to look for more sponsors,” Singh said.
“We will also write to the Fiji National Sports Commission.”
Singh also revealed that former Fiji coach Mick Potter was close to rejoining the national set-up, a move expected to strengthen the Bati’s preparations.
“Mick (Potter) is on the verge of joining us. He is no one new to Rugby League in Fiji. He was the coach when Fiji beat New Zealand at the World Cup and as we know New Zealand is in our pool this time around.”
Potter guided Fiji during one of the country’s most memorable Rugby League World Cup campaigns, and his return would provide valuable experience as the Bati seek another deep run in the tournament.
The Fiji Bati have built an impressive reputation on the world stage, reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals on three occasions in 2008, 2013 and 2017.
Their greatest achievement came during the 2017 tournament when they stunned New Zealand 4-2 in the quarter-finals to book a historic semi-final berth.
This year, Fiji faces another daunting challenge after being drawn in a tough pool alongside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
