Paramatta Eels star winger Mikaele Sivo headlines a 50-member Fiji Bati extended squad for the Rugby League World Cup which includes several local players and an Olympic Games gold medallist.
The squad is dominated by players competing in the National Rugby League and Super League competitions.
Sivo, who returned to the field last week after a long-term knee injury, is joined by key players Apisai Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Sims brothers Tariq and Korbin, former captain Kevin Naiqama, Jacob and Daniel Saifiti, Tui Kamikamica and Mikaele Ravalawa.
A notetable name in the squad is former 7s player Iosefo Masi who won a gold medal with the Fiji team at the Tokyo Olympics, and cross-code forward Taniela Sadrugu.
Fiji Bati head coach Joe Rabele said the squad would be reduced to 30 after their Test match against the PNG Kumuls at Campbelltown Stadium on June 25.
“I am confident the Vodafone Fiji Bati can exceed expectations at this year’s Rugby League World Cup,” he said.
“We’ve done it before at the previous Rugby League World Cups, and I have no doubt we can do it again this year.”
The RLWC will be held in Hull, England in October.
Extended squad:
Apisai Koroisau, Joe Lovodua, Penioni Tagituimua, Tariq Sims, Viliame Kikau, King Vuniayawa, Lamar Manueli Liolevave, Jacob and Daniel Saifiti, Korbin and Tariq Sims, Tui Kamikamica, Kane Evans, Joseph Ratu Vakacereivalu, Taniela Sadrugu, Tikiko Noke, Lanarkshire Tabu, Jason Tigarea, William Eyre, Penaia Nadakuni, Tevita Satae, Kaylen Miller, Maika Serulevu, Kevin Naiqama, Marcelo Montoya, Isaac Lumelume, Vuata Karawalevu, Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei, Vereti Peceli, Waqa Blake, Taane Milne, Mikaele Ravalawa, Pio Maisamoa Seci, Braydon Wakeham, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Kurt Donoghoe, Ilaitia Moceidreke, Joeli Baleilevuka, Amenatave Bakabaka, Wilson Tabuya, Marika Turagaiviu, Ethan Robinson, Waqasaqa Qiolevu, Jason Qareqare, Inoke Vasuturaga, Iosefo Masi, Mesake Kuruikitoga, Sunia Turuva, Netane Masima, Neill Fiu.
