Match to gauge RLWC preparations
Taniela Sadrugu at a Fiji Bati training session in Sydney yesterday. The former Fiji 7s player will play in the second row against the PNG Kumuls on Saturday.
THE Vodafone Fiji Bati will use the Melanesian Cup Test against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in Australia this Saturday to gauge its preparation level ahead of the Rugby League World Cup which will be held in England from October 15 to November 19.
This will be the first international match for both teams in more than two and a half years. The last time the Bati and Kumuls met was back in November 2019. The fixture was part of the Oceania Cup which was played at the Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Bati edged the Kumuls 22-20 to win the Oceania Cup.
The Fiji Bati squad arrived at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Saint Mary’s, Sydney on Tuesday and did not waste time to hold a light gymnasium session.
In an interview on the Fiji National Rugby League facebook page, Fiji Bati captain Kevin Naiqama said on the first day of camp the boys went through orientation meeting the staff.
Naiqama said they held a mobility session at the gym and also a little field session.
“It was just about running through our plays, not trying to overcomplicate things in the week,” he said.
“There are a few new boys in the squad so we have to make them feel comfortable and make them feel welcome, just setting up our week for the game.
“The squad that we have here is great. Obviously we would have loved to have few other boys, but they were unable to make it.
“We just want to use this week to prepare for the World Cup. That is the main purpose for this camp and this game.
“We haven’t played in two years because of COVID-19 so we will need to get those combinations in place.”
The Fiji Bati is grouped with the Australian Kangaroos, Scotland and Italy for the RLWC.
Naiqama said the players in the extended training squad for the RLWC had earned their spots.
“We just want them to celebrate because it is a big occasion,” he said.
“We all remember our first Test match so we want to make it special, memorable and make it an enjoyable week as well.
“We have our sessions set out for the week and want to get things into practice. Hopefully by Friday we will have a good captain’s run and get ready for Saturday.”
The Fiji Bati versus PNG Kumuls match will kick off at 9.30pm at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney. The match will air live on Mai TV.