Fiji Bati

Fiji set to host historic NRL trial match

The initiative is the brainchild of the Melbourne Storm, who are poised to announce on Tuesday a new partnership with Fiji Airways for at least the next three years. Storm officials are hopeful the deal – which includes becoming the club’s new shorts sponsor – will result in a trial match being taken to Fiji in the upcoming pre-season for the first time in the game’s history.

Late Turuva try sees Fiji down brave Cook Islands

Down 18-16 with six minutes to play, the 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year did it all himself, darting and weaving his way through Cook Island defenders to keep his side’s Pacific Championships finals hopes alive.

An upset was looming at Santos National Football Stadium with Esan Marsters dominating in attack for the Cook Islands but the star-studded Fiji team proved too strong in the end with NRL players Maika Sivo, Jahream Bula, Waqa Blake and Turuva all crossing for the new-look Bati side.

Fiji Bati hires new head coach

The appointment was announced by the FNRL chairman Aporosa Lutunauga.

Kativerata’s contract is for three years.

He takes over the role from former mentor Joe Rabele.

Kativerata took over as interim coach during the Rugby League World Cup last year when Rabele had to be hospitalized just two days out from their opening match against Australia.

Kativerata is a respected figure in the Fiji rugby league family after recruiting stars like Sisa Waqa, Semi Radradra, Suliasi Vunivalu, and Semi Valemei to play in the NRL.

Naiqama to captain Fiji against PNG

The pair are among 15 NRL players in a 30-man squad named for the June 25 Test at Sydney's Campbelltown Stadium, which will headline a double-header also featuring Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Naiqama was first appointed captain of the Bati in 2016 and led the nation to the 2017 World Cup semi-finals.

Players based in the northern hemisphere, including Korbin Sims and Kane Evans were not considered.

The squad, which will go into camp next Monday, June 20, includes four players from the Fiji domestic competition.

     

Fiji hope to replicate Tonga's rugby league success

That's the belief of Bati coach Brandon Costin, who watched his team rout a star-studded Samoa 44-18 in Auckland last Saturday.

Fiji now have the opportunity to lift the Oceania Shield if they defeat Papua New Guinea in their final pool B clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

The triumph would also clinch promotion into the Oceania Cup next year, which will result in Tests against New Zealand and Tonga in pool A.

The Kangaroos won't participate because of their tour to Europe.

Bati thrash Toa Samoa to boost promotion hopes

There were signs of disaster from the first touch for Samoa, with a knock-on giving Fiji the advantage just 20 metres from their line.

Capitalising on the early opportunity and with a wrap-around pass from Kane Evans, hooker Joe Lovodua found the ball in his hands to storm under the posts and put first points on the board for the Bati.

The conversion was successful to give them an early 6-0 lead.

Rugby league triple-header all about respect

Fiji will take on Samoa in the first match up of the day, before the Kiwis meet the touring Great Britain Lions as both sides look to recover from significant losses last week.

The third test of the night will see a resurgent Tonga Invitational XIII face off against the world champion Australia.

The Kau To'a say they are ready to take on the Kangaroos with both sides delivering impressive performances last weekend.

Tonga produced a massive defensive effort to beat Great Britain for the first time while Australia convincingly beat New Zealand.

PNG Kumuls name strong side to play Fiji

South Sydney Rabbitoh's Alex Johnston, North Queensland Cowboys Daniel Russell and Hela Wigmen's Stanford Talita are the new faces named in the 20-man test squad.

Long-standing coach Michael Marum said Johnston would add experience to his side, which was much needed when coming up against teams stacked with NRL and Super League players.

"We understand we're coming up against Fiji who you know majority of all the players are from the NRL. We will look at [Johnston's] experience going into the side as we play and prepare to play Fiji in Christchurch," said.

Fiji Bati aim to improve ranking through Oceania Cup

The three sides make up Group B of the Oceania Cup with the top side being promoted to Group A.

Bati coach Brandon Costin was looking forward to the challenge starting with Samoa this weekend although he admitted it would be tough against Toa Samoa with some key players unavailable, including Cronulla Sharks second rower Jayson Bukuya.

Costin said they will would to be at their best if they have any chance of winning on Saturday.

Fiji unveil Pacific Test squad to face PNG

Hayne is just one of a number of NRL players included, with the likes of Suliasi Vunivalu, Akuila Uate, Kane Evans, Marcelo Montoya and Jayson Bukuya also named.

Wests Tigers speeder Kevin Naiqama will again captain the side from fullback, while Hayne will line-up in the halves.

While the backline has plenty of firepower, injuries to Viliame Kikau, Korbin Sims, Daniel Saifiti and Api Koroisau will mean the forward pack’s depth will be tested.

Fiji Bati squad to face Papua New Guinea: