THE Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata has openly acknowledged the challenges within Fiji’s rugby league system in terms of developing player pathways, citing their essential role in ensuring sustained success for the national team.
Following Fiji’s loss to Papua New Guinea 50-18 in the Pacific Bowl Championship final, on Saturday, Kativerata highlighted the country’s ability to produce top-tier players, including notable names like Semi Valemei, Semi Radradra, Viliame Kikau, and Noa Nadruku, despite the absence of a structured development system within Fiji Rugby League.
In contrast to countries like Papua New Guinea, which have well-established pathways like the Hunters program, Kativerata emphasised that Fiji is only just beginning to lay the foundation for its own player development structure.
Acknowledging the progress made in the last two years, Kativerata expressed optimism regarding Fiji’s efforts to create a sustainable pathway that aligns with the NRL standards.
He emphasised the importance of providing young Fijian players with the necessary support and opportunities for growth and development within the sport.
“I don’t know how we do it, but luckily Papua New Guinea got a pathway already with Hunters. But we started doing it now from the last two years. We’ve started putting together a system, a pathway that we can well recognize in the NRL system.”
He added that developing a clear pathway will help young Fijian players gain the experience and exposure needed to compete consistently at the international level.
