Rabele’s Pick on our 3 X-Factors
Former Bati coach waits for Costin to return and start World Cup preparations
Three Vodafone Fijian Bati players playing in the National Rugby League (NRL) are highly likely to spearhead the 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
Former Bati head coach Joe Rabele said they are Paramatta Eels forward Kane Evans, Penrith Panthers hooker Apisai Koroisau and prop Viliame Kikau.
“They will be our X-factors and key weapons,” Rabele who coached the Bati to the 2008 World Cup semifinal said.
Speaking to SUNports Rabele said the players have been in impressive form this season. “I watched the three players every week and they have grown into the game,” he said.
“Koroisau will surely spark the backline that has one of the games fastest and strongest winger Maika Sivo.
“We have young and new exciting talent edplayers like Semi Valemei who came from Macuata to play for the Raiders.
‘I watched Kane Evans playing and he did very well. These are the three players that can guide Fiji through the RLWC.”
Other Bati players who are playing well in the NRL are Brandon Wakeham, Marcelo Montoya, King Vuniyayawa, Waqa Blake, Mikaele Ravalawa, Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims, Daniel and Jacob Saifitin.
Melbourne Storm’s Tui Kamikamica is yet to play due to a back injury while Jayson Bukuya of the Sharks has announced his retirement.
Vodafone Cup
Rabele said the Vodafone Cup competition is a competition that would provide a couple of local players the opportunity to make the cut to the World Cup.
“There were a few talented players that showed their capabilities during the first match of the Ron Massey Cup in Lautoka.
“The competition will surely provide us with some very talented players.”
Rabele said current Bati head coach Brandon Costin is returning from Australia, next month. “Once Brandon arrives we will start with our preparations.”
The Kaiviti Silktails participation at the Ron Massey Cup is now moved to next year but all that will depend on the opening of borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.