THE Fiji National Rugby League Junior Bati team is gearing up to defend the Petero Civoniceva Shield as they prepare to face off against the Caloundra State High School team from Australia tomorrow in Lautoka.
The upcoming match will be a highly anticipated rematch, as Caloundra State High School is seeking redemption after suffering a defeat against the Junior Bati side in 2023.
Coach Peni Baro has expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, noting that the players have come from various parts of Fiji to represent their country.
“The teams’ preparations have been good, most of these boys they came from all over Fiji,” said Baro.
“We kept this team from our match against Tonga earlier this year, where we won 28-12, so preparations leading up to this has been on point.”
He adds the team’s roster includes players from schools such as Lelean Memorial School, Marist Brothers High School, and Nasinu, with many of them being school dropouts who have found a passion for rugby league.
Baro credits the team’s success so far to the efforts of Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata and coach Asaeli Saravaki, who have worked diligently to prepare the players for this competition.
As the match draws near, Baro acknowledges that Caloundra State High School will pose a tough challenge for his team.
“Our opponent Caloundra State High School is a tough opponent, this is more likely a rematch, since the team had come two years ago to compete in the Petero Civoniceva Shield, Junior Bati won so they will be coming in to try and win this year.”
He anticipates an exciting and closely contested game, with both sides eager to claim victory in the Petero Civoniceva Shield.
Baro extends his gratitude to all supporters of the team and invites everyone to come out and cheer for the Junior Bati as they look to defend their title on Saturday.
The Junior Bati team will face Caloundra State High School at 10am in Churchill Park in Lautoka.
