Fiji Bati back home
FIJI Bati interim head coach Wise Kativerata yesterday spoke highly of his players saying the experience they gained from the Rugby League World Cup was a learning curve for them.
Kativerata said rugby league had a bright future in Fiji and with a young player base, Fiji would produce a good result in the next world cup.
“For me, the boys should hold their heads up because I know they've done a great job,” he said when he accompanied head coach Josaia Rabele, manager Tevita Korosaya and player Vuate Karawalevu on the journey home yesterday.
They landed at the Nausori International Airport.
“You know, there's a lot to take out from the tournament. One thing I know, these boys believed in themselves.
“There were not many big boys when we left the country and a lot of people thought we were not going to make it in, but we got there. I think moving forward, we should set up a system where we get to know the young kids and prepare them with the Fiji National Rugby League.
“They should have a liaison officer in Australia, NSW, Queensland and Super League, so everyone know each other, everyone prepare themselves for the next two years because when you look at it, 2025 is not that far.”
He spoke on his personal experience in replacing Rabele. g
“I learnt a lot. Getting thrown in the deep end, but I was lucky that I had prepared myself for the past 10 years. I am always ready to do it again if somebody needs me.
“I will stand up and do the coaching. I miss the boys. I think the devotion stood out. The singing every morning and afternoon, was something I'll take home and teach my young kids.”
He spoke about their games against Australia, Italy, Scotland and New Zealand.
“I came in after the game against England when Joe got sick. I had to work really quickly and adjusted the way we play. We set up a game plan that was good for the team. We didn’t have to change much attack. Api Koroisau and Wes Naiqama helped us. Even though we lost, our defence improved. We reset everything and put in some more efforts.
“Against Italy, the boys got used to what we tried to build, so we saw the scoreline. Against Scotland we rolled onto that.
“Then against New Zealand, something that I will never forget was we were on top of them all the way. There were a few bad calls.” The Fiji Bati players retruned to their homes after losing to New Zealand in the quater-finals.
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