DEFENDING Pacific Games champions — the Fiji Bati nines team know that going would be tougher especially with the games being hosted by arch rivals Papua New Guinea.
Rugby league coach Maika Vunivere said PNG would be Fiji’s toughest opponent and backed by the home support, the competition would test the players physically and mentally.
“We are the defending Games champion and we will be targeted because since rugby league started in the Pacific Games in 2007, we have been consistently winning it,” Vunivere said.
“Right now, the Suva boys start training from Thursday while the West boys are already training under the guidance of development officers in the West.
“I am hoping to get the boys in camps for a week, at least two or three times before the Pacific Games so we can all work together. But that depends on approval by the Fiji National Rugby League board.
“I have given them a budget and hopefully I get the green light to organise camps because we need to train together if we are to play together and defend the gold medal.”
Vunivere said the boys were fit and this was one of the best nines squad ever assembled but he needed the team to train together.
Rugby League has announced an 18-member squad for the Pacific Games.
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
