NRL STARS FOR BATI

It’s confirmed that our National Rugby League (NRL) stars have booked their spot in the 24-member Vodafone Fijian Bati squad for the World Cup.

These players are Kevin Naiqama, Jayson Bukuya, Apisai Koroisau, Akuila Uate, Kane Evans and the list goes on. This Saturday’s Battle of the Bati between Overseas Bati led by James Storer and Viliame Rakuli captainedFiji Residents is to determine who makes up the rest of the squad. The clash is to allow head coach Mick Potter to finalise his squad and the players he needs to step in as replacements. This is because key players Korbin Sims, Waqa Blake and Jacob Saifaiti are down injured and their conditions would be assessed before the final announcement is made at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Saturday.

The decision on whether the Vodafone Fiji Bati would perform their tradition war dance Quruquruvatu or to sing a hymn before their Test matches rest entirely on the players.

This was the view of former Bati skipper and Oversea Bati head coach Wes Naiqama. Speaking to SUNsports, Naiqama said if he was to decide then he would have both.

“That’s totally up to the players and that’s not driven by the coaches obviously,” he said. ‘’We sang our hymns in the two world cups but it will be up to the players. I’ve only done the hymn and I wouldn’t discourage against doing the ‘Quruquruvatu’ as it is our heritage.”

During the 2008 Rugby League World Cup under Naiqama’s captaincy, the Bati opted to sing their prayer hymn Oqo Na Noqu Masu (This is my prayer)’

The Quruquruvatu war challenge is similar to the traditional war dance perform by New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. Naiqama has played 161 first grade matches in the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Super League. He has played 14 Tests for Fiji across his 11-year plan.

“I did really enjoy that and it is a special meaning to all of us that have represented Fiji in the last world cups,” the 34 year old added.

We sang our hymns in the two world cups but it will be up to the players. I’ve only done the hymn and I wouldn’t discourage against doing the ‘Quruquruvatu’ as it is our heritage. Wes Naiqama Former Fiji Bati captain

Photo: Ronald Kumar Voadafone Fiji Residents captain Viliame Rakuli (left) with Overseas Bati captain James Storer during their training session in Bidesi Park, Suva on October 4, 2017.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Overseas Bati coach Wes Naiqama during training at Bidesi Park, Suva on October 4, 2017.