Three Fiji Bati lead players made emotional speeches yesterday during the jersey presentation in Leeds, reminding the team of the significance of the match against Australia this morning.
Captain Kevin Naiqama, Penrith Panthers co-players Apisai Koroisau and Viliame (Bill) Kikau, three of a handful of survivors from the 2018 Rugby League World Cup campaign, reminded the squad they thoroughly enjoyed their time in camp with the team.
Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup campaign kicks off at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
“I’m excited about this team. I won’t let you guys down on the field,” Naiqama said.
“It all starts tomorrow. We take on Australia and I think we can actually a question mark on the outcome of the 2022 RLWC standing. I’ve been to three RLWCs for the past three years and we’ve always had Australia which had big names in Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk. That’s not the Australia team we see now. I believe we can beat them.”
Team hooker Koroisau said he could not find the unique Fijian camaraderie in camp with any other team he had played in.
Penrith Panthers enforcer Kikau reminded the players to believe in themselves.
“I remember back in 2008 and 2013, I looked forward to watching these guys at the world cup. I wanna make this jersey proud, my family and Fiji proud.”
Fiji will play Australia at 6.30am (Fiji time) this morning.
(This article was published in The Sunday Times today – October 16, 2022)
