With the Rugby League World Cup this year, the Fiji National Rugby League starts the Kalawa 2017 with a look back at the achievements of our Fiji Bati team in the past two world cups.

The Vodafone Fiji Bati had been participating under the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) since 1992 and had reached the RLWC semi-finals twice – 2008 and 2013.

The Fiji Bati qualified for the 2008 RLWC which was held in Australia after finishing second in the Pacific qualifying round behind Tonga.

Local-based players dominated the Fiji Bati in 2008 and reached the semi-finals after losing to Australia.

The squad was coached by former Fiji Bati player and current Vodafone Fiji Residents mentor, Josaia Rabele.

In 2013, the Fiji Bati automatically qualified for the world cup where they were in the same pool as Australia, England and Ireland.

The coach was Rick Stone.

Fiji lost to Australia and England, but went on to face Pacific rival Toa Samoa in the quarter-finals where they won 22-4.

Fiji then played Australia in the semi-finals where they lost.

This year the RLWC will be held in Australia and New Zealand. There will be some matches played in Papua New Guinea. The Vodafone Fiji Bati will play on October 28, a day after the grand opening.

They face USA at Townsville Stadium in Queensland, the second match on November 5 against Wales on the same venue, and their last pool match against Italy on November 10 at Canberra Stadium.

The Australian Fijians and Fiji Residents have started their off -season training looking forward to their club matches and the Battle of the Bati this year.

The players and the rugby league community are looking forward to the RLWC.

Last season the Fiji Residents and the Fiji Bati teams achieved good results after showcasing what they were capable of in their international calendar.

This year the FNRL anticipates a good season which will end with the RLWC.

Noqu Kalou, Noqu vanua!