AT the helm of Fiji is Mick Potter, who oversaw the Bati’s greatest win when they eliminated the Kiwis in 2017 to reach the semi-finals of a third consecutive World Cup.
On 18th October, Fiji take on the Cook Islands, which will likely be the fixture that sees third and fourth place decided.
After that initial clash, Fiji will then go up against the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium on 25th October and the Kiwis at Cbus Super Stadium on 31st October.
As harsh as it sounds, the Bati have never been close to beating Australia, though they did beat New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup and came close again in 2022.
Ranked seventh in the world, Fiji were rocked in August with the news that the Fainu brothers, Samuela, Sione and Latu, were ineligible to play for the Bati in the World Cup because the trio could not provide official, accredited documentation proving their Fijian heritage.
KEY PLAYERS
AFTER an injury hit Super League campaign with Bradford Bulls, Waqa Blake will be hoping all those issues are behind him as he aims to represent Fiji for the first time since 2023.
The explosive outside back scored 11 tries in 21 Bulls appearances this season and made over 2,000 metres, so he can certainly give the Bati some firepower.
Super League fans will also get an early look at Mitchell Prest, who is joining Warrington Wolves in 2027. The forward has most recently been playing with Mackay Cutters, but a run out with Fiji will be more than ample preparation for what we can expect on these shores.
Wests Tigers hooker Apisai Koroisau will once again lead his nation from the front.
COACH
MICK POTTER was only re-appointed as Fiji head coach in June of this year, replacing Wise Kativerata, on a four-year deal.
The 62-year-old had been working at Canterbury Bulldogs in recent seasons, but the role has seen former Catalans Dragons, Bradford Bulls and St Helens boss Potter step up to become Bati’s head coach once more.
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).
