WEST Tigers fullback Sunia Turuva believes Fiji’s young Vodafone Fiji Bati squad is ready to step up and make its mark at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia later this month.
With several experienced players, including Viliame Kikau, missing, Turuva said it had created an opportunity for the next generation to carry the Bati legacy forward.
“It’s a big opportunity for these young players to step up and make a name for themselves. Many have not played NRL yet, but this is a big opportunity for them to learn and to step up,” he said.
Turuva, preparing for his second World Cup with the Bati, said returning to Fiji and reconnecting with the people they will represent was a special moment.
“It’s really great to be here in Fiji to meet the people and to connect with everyone here at home who we are going to represent,” he said.
“It has given us a chance as a team to connect and to connect with those who we will represent.”
The Bati and Fiji Bulikula presented their i-tatau to Minister for Youth and Sport Jese Saukuru at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday.
Saukuru challenged both teams to embrace the responsibility of representing Fiji on the world stage.
“I want you to remember that Fiji has never been a nation that shies away from challenges,” he said.
“We may be a small island nation in terms of landmass, but we have always demonstrated that we can stand tall on the world stage.”
For Fiji’s young players, the World Cup is now their chance to do exactly that.
The Fiji Bati 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.
The Bulikula will commence their Rugby League World Cup campaign against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns on October 18 at 1.50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.
On October 24 they will take on France in the Gold Coast, with their last pool game against Papua New Guinea on October 31 also at the Gold Coast.
