“That’s the good thing about this group we have the next man up mentality”
This was according to Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata who is set to blood a few young players in their opening match against the Cook Islands on Saturday.
With the inclusion of several new players, Kativerata is looking to try some new combinations to assess his options as the competition progresses.
“I’m looking to groom a few of the young boys coming in. I wanna see how they handle Cook Islands leading towards the game against PNG”, he said.
Coach Kativerata is excited for the young boys as most of them have been in the Bati team for past two years- plus senior NRL experience.
Bati captain Tui Kamikamica is also excited for the younger players, saying it’s a great opportunity for the boys to prove themselves in the absence of senior players such as Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau.
“They have been a main part of the group for the last couple of years, but at the end of the day we’ve got heaps of young guys coming through, it’s a big challenge for the boys but I’m pretty excited for them.”
The mindset has always been the same for the team every year as each player is expected to step-up when chosen to wear the Fiji Bati jersey.
“We form a brotherhood culture every time we don the Fiji Bati Jersey, we’ve lost a bit of experience in Api and Kikau, it’s a big challenge for the young guys but I’m excited for them.
“The good thing about this group we have the next man up mentality, so whoever dons the white jumper is expected to perform this Saturday”.
The Fiji Bati will take on the Cook Islands Aitu this Saturday, October 18, 5pm at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby-Papua New Guinea.
