Good news today for the Vodafone Fiji Bati in the start of their Rugby League World Cup campaign in England.
National coach Josaia Rabele is fit and ready to roll again.
The news can calm some nerves before they face a new look Australia in their opening Pool C game.
Confirming his recovery from England yesterday, Rabele said he was well.
“Vakavinavinakataki ga na Kalou, au sa bula vinaka (Thanks be to God, I am well),” he said from England yesterday.
The Bati play the Kangaroos at 6.30am tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Bati is boosted with the inclusion of National Rugby League (NRL) grand finalist winners Viliame Kikau in the forwards while hooker Api Koroisau will assist in the backline set-up.
Josh Wong forces his way in the starting line up with injuries to former Nabua Broncos and Mainly Sea Eagles winger Pio Seci, Kaylen Miller and Joseph Vakacereivalu.
Also making the reserve bench are Nabua products Taniela Sadrugu and Jowasa Drodrolagi.
Mitieli Vulikijapani, Hull FC winger in the Betfred Super League, will replace St George winger Mikaele Ravalawa, who withdrew from the team with a hamstring injury.
Fiji Bati:
1. Sunia Turuva, 5. Miteli Vulikijapani, 4. Kevin Naiqama (c), 19. Semi Valemei 2. Maika Sivo 6. Sitiveni Moceidreke 7. Brandon Wakeham 17. King Vuniyayawa 9. Apisai Koroisau 13.Tui Kamikamica 12. Viliame Kikau 22. Josh Wong 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 14. Penioni Tagituimu 23. Jowasa Drodrolagi 10. Ben Nakubuwai 11. Taniela Sadrugu 18. Netane Masima 21. Isaac Lumelume.
