The 2024 Pacific Bowl Championship has generated excitement with the announcement of the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad yesterday, which will convene this weekend ahead of the upcoming games.
The team is gearing up to face Papua New Guinea on the 19th of this and the Cook Islands on the 26th at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Tui Kamikamica will be leading the team in their clash against the Papua New Guinea (Kumuls) side.
Head coach Wise Kativerata reflected on the team’s progress, noting the infusion of young talent into the squad.
“Last year, if you looked at the squad, we got 11 players making their debut. It’s good to have the young kids because we’ve got two debuting, and this year we’ve got seven,” Kativerata said.
He said the side would learn the importance of ball control, maintaining possession, and solid defensive strategies.
Despite their strengths, Kativerata said there was a need for improvement in one-on-one defence.
Kativerata also highlighted the formidable skill of the Papua New Guinea team.
“When you look at Papua New Guinea side, they can really play rugby league, most of them are in the Super League and the NRL.
“We in Fiji, we try to elevate from the Vodafone cup, we need to lift the standard of rugby league, and for the players to do well.”
Squad: Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Taane Milne, Jethro Rinakama, Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jordan Miller, Nathan Kegg-Smith, Kylan Mafoa, Ben Nakubuwai, Peni Tagituimua, Joe Lovodua, James Valevatu, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
