ANTICIPATION, questions and curiosity will reach a boiling point when Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter will name his 23-member squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup tomorrow.
And Fiji Bati pioneer and rugby league coach Joe Rabele has wished the 23-member squad well, while also stressing the experience they have gained through NRL competitions would prove vital for them.
He also understands Potter’s previous stint as a member of the Bati’s coaching staff in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup will serve as a integral element of their preparations for the upcoming tournament.
“All these players are playing in the NRL and it’s nothing new to Mick (Potter) because he coached Fiji in the 2017 World Cup where we beat New Zealand in the quarter-final,” Rabele emphasised.
“I think Mick has got a pool of talented players from the NRL, the Queensland Cup and the New South Wales Cup.”
But Rabele stressed Potter’s selection would also boil down to which players were fighting their hardest to don the white jersey the most.
“I think he will pick the right people that have got the hearts to play for their country and give 150 per cent for this coming World Cup.”
With a vast number of players for head coach Potter to choose from to finalise his World Cup pick, Rabele is adamant the leading man will select his best group to take to Australia.
“I think Mick will pick his best 23 players. I wish them all the best in this upcoming World Cup campaign.”
Potter’s pick will be an interesting selection in light of the unavailability of the Fainu brothers Latu, Samuela and Sione who were ruled out due to a lack of accredited documentation to play for Fiji.
Meanwhile, the World Cup, starts in 10 days, with the Bati facing the Cook Islands Aitu in their first match on October 18.
Potter. Picture: JONA KONATACI
