Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata said he is impressed with the performance of players competing in the Fiji National Rugby League Women’s Premiership competition.
The former Fiji Bati rep said there was no doubt in the abundance of talent among the women’s competition and expected some of these players to be receiving contracts from Australian clubs soon.
“I really enjoyed watching the women’s competition because we can see how much they understand and love the game of rugby league,” he said. While comparing their performances to other local rugby league clubs in Australia, he said some of the local women’s clubs in Fiji played much better rugby.
“Some of these clubs play much better than other clubs in Australia.”
“It’s just amazing to see how quickly they pick up the knowledge of playing rugby league.
“After completing a set, they kick it. That’s one of the main basics of rugby league.”
As a recruiter, Kativerata said his role was to help get players seen by overseas scouts and help them get overseas contracts. “I can say some of these girls will be receiving contracts soon from overseas clubs just by looking at the way they play.”
“We have plans in place here at the FNRL to increase the performances of these players, and to help them get abroad.”
He also mentioned that he was pleased to see a lot of young players take part and represent big clubs at the Vodafone Super 8 Premiership competition, and would like to have pathways these players can follow in order to better their skills and secure overseas contracts.
“It’s all about helping players get overseas contracts so they can go abroad, play and provide for their families.”
“We need to get these players into two to three years development pathways so that we can have them reach their full potential within a certain time frame.
“From there they can get overseas contracts and can represent the country at World Cup tournaments in the future.”
