FORMER National Rugby League superstar Akuila Uate wants to don the Fiji Bati jersey in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
The former Manly Sea Eagles flyer secured a contact with Huddersfield Giants last year and has been part of the Super League this year.
Dubbed as Akuila ‘the thriller’, the Nadroga lad told this newspaper of his interest to represent Fiji one more time at the RLWC.
“I always loved to play for Fiji in the past and I will continue to represent Fiji in the future if I’m called to be part of the Bati team building up towards the RLWC or any Test match,” he said.
The try scoring machine has played three RLWC for Fiji since 2008 and reached three semi-finals, hoping for a grand-finale in the next World Cup.
“Rugby League is evolving and local players continue to impress overseas coaches and the overseas-based players know how local players are transforming to be professionals. That is an achievement but also a threat to us because we know their capabilities.
“However if only we could give in all we have when we play for Fiji at the RLWC, play as a team with one goal and one voice, I bet we could reach the RLWC final in the next World Cup. We have a good coach and a new board will give the players the best service,” said Uate.
“We’ve beaten New Zealand in the quarter-final of the last World Cup with many new faces in the team and that’s teamwork and if we have the same mentality and faith in God in representing our country then nothing will stand in our way.”
