Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) is in a discussion to have a Test in Fiji on October 10 , 2025.

This is to warm-up for the Pacific Bowl Championship.

Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata confirmed the move.

“That’s one thing we want to try and bring to Suva during the Fiji Day celebration,” he said.

“We’re talking to two nations to see what we come up with.”

Kativerata indicated some highlights for this year included the pre-season National Rugby League (NRL) match between Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on February 24 which was a success for FNRL.

“We also hosted the Pacific Bowl Championship in Suva two months ago which was a good boost for the game.

“We have got to start working really hard for the next three years in building a pathway as we got Papua New Guinea coming in,” Kativerata added.

2025 plans

He added they are planning to build an academy for the under-14 to 18 grade next year in all parts of Fiji.

“The under 19 to 23 is the Resident squad.

“We are going to focus more on schools and islands including Vanua Levu to bring them up to come to Viti Levu,” Kativerata said.

“We’re going to Tailevu North and Naitasiri as well. Something we need to go after are the players because 2028 is just around the corner and we want to set up a pathway system.”

Kativerata said they aim to change the young players’ mindset.

“It takes years to get to the top and that’s why we need to educate our young Fijian kids,” he said.

Kativerata was hopeful that the Melbourne Storm will play more games in Fiji next year.

Wakeham cleared

Kativerata said that former West Tigers halfback Brandon Wakeham can still be include in the Fiji Bati squad.

This is after Fox Sports reported that the alleged drug charges were dropped against the 25-year-old on November 12.

Wakeham was arrested in May 15 near Brookvale Oval and charged with taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than a large commercial quantity, taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than an indictable and less than a commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group.

“If he’s (Wakeham) playing good football in high class environment like reserve grade or NRL system then we’re going to consider that looking at what Wakeham bring to the table,” he said.

“Next year is important that we put a core player for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup so we’re going to work in a combination that stays leading towards the World Cup.”

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