THREE players outside Mick Potter’s original 40-man extended squad have forced their way into the Vodafone Fiji Bati’s final 23 for the Rugby League World Cup.
Northern Pride forward Apenisa Driti, Mackay Cutters front prop Mitchell Prest and Sunshine Coast Falcons winger Zion Johnson are the three players who were not part of the original extended squad but have forced their way into World Cup selection.
Potter also confirmed Johnson replaced Jimmy Ngutlik in the final squad.
Injuries have been a major factor in Potter’s final selection, with key players including Viliame Kikau and Jahream Bula unavailable, while captain Tui Kamikamica has also retired after suffering a stroke.
The absence of several established players has, however, created opportunities for a younger generation to step up and continue the proud Bati legacy.
“This is a fairly young squad, and the new players are eager to step up to the opportunity do the Fiji Bati jersey proud,” he explained.
“I know they will give it their best and continue the proud legacy of the team.”
All eyes will be on veterans Apisai Koroisau, Jacob Saifiti and Waqa Blake to spearhead the team’s campaign in Australia.
The Bati have reached the World Cup semi-finals three consecutive times — in 2008, 2013 and 2017 — and face another formidable challenge in Pool A against the Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand.
Fiji opens its campaign against the Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on October 18, before facing Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on October 25 and New Zealand at CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on October 31.
Fiji Bati World Cup squad
Bayleigh Benty-Hape, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Apenisa Driti, Kitione Kautoga, Elijah Keung, Apisai Koroisau, Josese Lanyon, Jordan Leiu, Joseph Litidamu, Kylan Mafoa, Jordan Miller, Taane Milne, Caleb Navale, Zion Johnson, Ronald Philitoga, Mitchell Prest, Emosi Ravosai, Jacob Saifiti, Solomone Saukuru, Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Brandon Wakeham.
