CASTLEFORD TIGERS and Bradford Bulls both have representatives in Fiji’s 23-man World Cup squad.
Semi Valemei, who endured an injury-hit first campaign with the Tigers, and fellow outside back Bradford’s Waqa Blake will both be heading Down Under to represent the Bati.
As will new Warrington Wolves signings Mitchell Prest, the forward who has most recently been plying his trade in the Queensland Cup with Mackay Cutters, and back Taane Milne, who is joining from Huddersfield Giants.
However, there are some big names missing.
Canterbury Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau and Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula are both glaring omissions due to injury, whilst Wests’ Fainu brothers – Sione, Samuela and Latu – were all ruled ineligible.
Fiji go up against the Cook Islands on October 18 in Newcastle before doing battle with New Zealand and Australia.
The top two teams in Group A will proceed to the semi-finals, meaning Fiji will need to both beat the Cook Islands and register a remarkable upset against either the Kiwis or Kangaroos.
Fiji squad: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Waqa Blake (Bradford Bulls), Kurt Donoghoe (Dolphins), Apenisa Driti (Northern Pride), Kitione Kautoga (Parramatta Eels), Elijah Keung (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Josese Lanyon (Wests Tigers), Jordan Leiu (Norths Devils), Joseph Litidamu (Melbourne Storm), Kylan Mafoa (Manly Sea Eagles), Taane Milne (Huddersfield Giants), Caleb Navale (Manly Sea Eagles), Jimmy Ngutlik (Mackay Cutters), Ronaldo Philitoga (North Queensland Cowboys), Mitchell Prest (Mackay Cutters), Emosi Ravosai (New Zealand Warriors), Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights), Solomone Saukuru (Wests Tigers), Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers), Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers), Brandon Wakeham (Manly Sea Eagles), Jordan Miller (Parramatta Eels).
