FORMER Fiji Bati mentor Mick Potter has emerged as the leading candidate for the national head coach role, with Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Singh confirming that the board is in the final stages of appointing a successor.
Potter, who famously guided Fiji to a historic 4–2 quarter-final victory over New Zealand at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, is understood to be the standout among a strong pool of applicants that included both experienced local mentors and high-level National Rugby League (NRL) coaches. Singh said the quality of applicants reflected growing international respect for Fiji rugby league.
“We had three local coaches applied and we had about three NRL coaches applied for the job,” Singh said. “The three NRL coaches that applied for the job are very good quality coaches.”
He added that the calibre of candidates made the selection process highly competitive.
“All of them are strong applicants… very experienced coaches, and some have coached at NRL and international level,” Singh said.
Potter’s previous success with Fiji is believed to have strengthened his case significantly, particularly his proven record in tournament football and his familiarity with Fijian players and systems.
Singh confirmed that the board has now moved into the final decision phase, with a formal offer imminent.
“We’ll be sending a job offer letter to the successful applicant who is an NRL coach… very well known,” he said.
“Hopefully by next week, before the end of the month, we want to sign him up so he can start his job from May 1 onwards.”
He said the recruitment process was handled through a structured panel, with his own involvement limited due to prior relationships.
“I recused myself because I know all these coaches… it would be unfair for me to sit in the panel,” Singh said.
The panel included board members and Fiji National Sports Commission representatives, with the final recommendation endorsed by the board.
“They did a recommendation and the board has approved it,” he said.
Singh also outlined key terms and conditions attached to the role, designed to strengthen both performance and development outcomes.
“We made it very clear… minimum five local players to go in the Rugby League World Cup,” he said. “And we’ll have four local coaches, two from the West and two from the East, understudy of him.”
He added that the arrangement is intended to ensure knowledge transfer and long-term coaching development within Fiji.
“Those are the pathways for local coaches to understand under the national coach who will be an NRL coach,” Singh said.
With the appointment expected to be finalised within days, Potter remains the frontrunner in what has been described as one of Fiji rugby league’s most important coaching decisions in recent years.
