LOCAL rugby league players will have to raise their level and gain greater exposure to elite competition before they can come into consideration for the Vodafone Fiji Bati.
That is the message from Bati head coach Mick Potter, who says he has been keeping an eye on domestic competitions but is not currently considering locally based players for selection.
Potter says the standard required to play international rugby league means players need to be exposed to an elite environment where they can develop the skills, fitness and preparation needed to compete at the highest level.
While local players are not presently in his plans, Potter says that does not close the door on their international ambitions.
He says he has considerable respect for players competing in Fiji and believes they can eventually reach the standard required to wear the Bati jersey.
The challenge, however, is for those players to bridge the gap between domestic competition and the demands of international rugby league.
With 45 days remaining before the Rugby League World Cup, Potter is also working against the clock to finalise his squad.
The coach says the Bati have not settled on their final playing group, although the selectors have a clear indication of the players they want for the tournament.
Fiji faces a demanding World Cup campaign after being drawn alongside defending champions Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
The tournament begins on October 15.
