Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Waisake Kativerata means business when he stated that they are out to win the Pacific Bowl Championship, which gets underway next Saturday.

He made the comments yesterday following the naming of his Bati side, which will be captained by Tui Kamikamica of the Melbourne Storm.

Also, in the squad is Penrith Panthers wing Sunia Turuva who scored a try in their 14-6 win over Storm in the NRL (National Rugby League) Grand-Final last Sunday.

Kativerata added that they are not at the championship to make the numbers.

In a surprise move, he named veteran centre Michael Jennings. The 36-year-old represented the Tonga and Australia national rugby league teams.

Also included in the squad are Parramatta Eels’ Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei of North Queensland Cowboys, Canterbury Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau and Kurt Donoghoe of the Dolphins.

Kativerata was grateful to Jennings for making the move to play for the Bati; his mother and grandfather hails from Rotuma and Nadi respectively.

He also highlighted the selection of promising star Jethro Rinakama, who will possibly make his international debut.

The Fiji Bati will face Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Cook Islands on October 19 and 26 respectively at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, they last played in Fiji in 2021.

Kativerata understands that both sides have experienced players who are playing at the NRL, Queensland Cup and Super League.

“I know it’s a short turn-around so we have to keep it simple,” Kativerata said.

“We have to do the little things right like controlling the ball and have the right type of defense – one on one. PNG live and breathe rugby league. There is no easy game now in rugby league, every game we have to count it as a final.

“The boys know their job, we’re here not to make the numbers.”

The Pacific Bowl Championship will also be a special one for the Bati side as they will farewell former captain Kevin Naiqama who’s planning to retire at the end of this year.

Kativerata said Api Koroisau is on a three match ban, which resulted in his non-selection while new convert Mark Nawaqanitawase needs a rest after his switch from rugby union.

He also named three local players to train with the Fiji Bati during the championship; they are Keresi Maya, Ifereimi Tovilevu and Lemeki Kurumacaiwai.

Ex-Drua winger joins Bulikula 

Meanwhile, five local players have been included in the Fiji Bulikula squad which will be co-captained by Teaghan Hartigan and Canberra Raiders’ Sereana Naitokatoka. Also named is former Fijiana Drua winger Vitalina Naikore and Wests Tigers sensation Losana Lutu.

Tickets are available online, Jacks stores and Damodar Cinemas.

Fiji Bati squad: 

Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Taane Milne, Jethro Rinakama, Michael Jennings, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake Kurt Donoghoe, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jordan Miller, Nathan Kegg-Smith, Kylan Mafoa, Ben Nakubuwai, Peni Tagituimua, Joe Lovodua, James Valevatu, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.

Fiji Bulikula: 

Ilisapeci Bari, Rusila Camaibure, Asenaca Diranuve, Teaghan Hartigan, Talei Holmes, Mere Kilawekana, Sienna Laing, Losana Lutu, Sereana Maragi, Ateca Naicaucauceva, Vitalina Naikore, Sereana Naitokatoka, Taina Naividi, Aliti Namoce, Ema Rainima, Abigayle Sekitoga, Anastasia Shum, Latisha Smythe, Cassandra Staple, Nanise Vakacavu, Luisa Yaranamua.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj