Vodafone Fijian Bati named
IN: Hayne, Uate, Sims OUT: Bukuya, Sutton, Waqa
Overseas Bati captain James Storer could not hold back his tears yesterday when he was named in the 25-member Vodafone Fiji Bati squad to the Rugby League World Cup.
The official announcement of the Fiji Bati was done by the Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou.
“I’m so blessed that Fiji has accepted me to wear the Fiji Bati jersey again,” Storer told SUNsports.
“My father grew up here and I’m blessed to come back and be amongst these young players.
“It’s so hard, most players just play to wear the jersey but I’m prepared to die for the jersey.” Reminiscing the dedication and sacrifice he’s been through Storer dedicates his achievement to his father who moulded him to become a better man.
“This is a bigger challenge for us, I know God has a plan for me and that’s for me to keep on coming. I never drank alcohol in my life, I’ve never smoke or even tried drugs. “My mum was alcoholic, my father was in prison so I’m just doing whatever God wants me to do. He’s given me a blessed life”, he added.
LOCALS NAMED
Nabua Broncos duo Pio Seci and Etuate Bola are the two local players that have made it into the World Cup.
Bola who is a standby replacement was shocked and broke into tears when his name was an nounced. Nine years of dedication is finally over for the Kadavu man.
“It’s now finally over and I want to thank God for this achievement, I still can’t believe it,” Bola said. Similar sentiment was echoed by Seci.
“I thank God for his provisions, I couldn’t believe that I will be part of the Bati team,” he added. In a shock move Jayson Bukuya, Sisa Waqa and John Sutton have been dropped from the squad.
Vodafone Fiji Bati: Kane Evans, Salesi Faingaa, Jarryd Hayne, Tui Kamikamica, Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau, Joe Lovadua, Henry Raiwalui, Taine Milne, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Marcello Montoya, Kevin Naiqama, Ben Nakubuwai, Mikaele Ravalawa, Junior Roqica, Jacob Saifiti, Ashton Sims, Korbin Sims, Pio Seci, James Storer, Akuila Uate, Eloni Vunakece, Suliasi Vunivalu, Brayden Williame, Etuate Bola.