The Fiji Bati rugby league team has confirmed its 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships, where they will compete against the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea in PNG from October 18 to November 1.
Simultaneously, the Fiji Bulikula squad has also named their 24-member team as they gear up for the World Cup qualifier in Toronto, Canada.
The Fiji Bati squad boasts a star-studded lineup consisting of a mix of current and former NRL players, reflecting the team’s ambition to excel in the Pacific Championships and secure victory in the 2025 Pacific Bowl.
However, notable players such as Apisai Koroisau, Maika Sivo, Latu Fainu, and Viliame Kikau will be absent from the squad due to injury or personal reasons.
Akuila Masi, the chairman of the Fiji National Rugby League, expressed confidence in the selected players who will proudly represent the country on the international stage.
With head coach Wise Kativerata out of the country, he is expected to return to finalise the selection of the best 20 players who will don the Fiji Bati jersey for the upcoming tournament.
The squad will undergo further evaluation, and the final 25-man squad will be trimmed down to 20 players by Tuesday in preparation for the Pacific Championships.
Fans can anticipate a thrilling and competitive tournament as the squad narrows down and gears up to face tough opposition from the Pacific region.
The Bati squad: Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Semi Valemei (North Queensland Cowboys), Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers), Jethro Rinakama (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters), Waqa Blake (Bradford Bulls), Taane Milne (Huddersfield Giants), Solomone Saukuru (Wests Tigers), Kurt Donoghoe (The Dolphins), Brandon Wakeham (Manly Sea Eagles), Caleb Navale (Manly Sea Eagles), Kitione Kautoga (Parramatta Eels), Zulu Maya (Navy Albatross), Sione Fainu (Wests Tigers), Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm), Michael Waqa (Brisbane Broncos), Ben Nakubuwai (North Brisbane), Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Terrell Kalo Kalo (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Akuila Ooro (Canterbury Bulldogs), Josese Lanyon (Wests Tigers), Kylan Mafoa (Manly Sea Eagles), Jordan Leiu (Newtown Jets), Meli Nasau (Newtown Jets), Joe Lovodua.
