Fiji National Rugby League has named Osea Sadrau, Tikiko Noke and Timoci Ratulolo as the local players to feature for the Vodafone Fijian Bati against Papua New Guinea on May 2.

The trio were the only Fiji-based players to make the cut for the Melanesian Cup challenge.

Sadrau felt privileged to be a part of the Vodafone Fijian Bati side.

“It’s a privilege for all of us to represent the country,” he said.

“It’s really an honour to be one of the three local players chosen to join the NRL players in next month’s test game against PNG. I think it’s a great opportunity as well for these young boys to secure NRL contracts as well.”

Having made his Fijian Bati debut at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, 20-year-old Noke echoed similar sentiments.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to try and earn an overseas contract as well,” he said.

“We just look forward to this chance to learn and experience more so we can give back to them.”

Former Marist Brothers High School student Timoci Ratulolo was excited to be rubbing shoulders with the NRL Fijian players next month.

“This is actually my second time in a national team, but it will be my first time to be a part of the Fijian Bati team and play with the NRL players.”

Measuring up the competition, Sadrau felt the pressure would be on as Fiji would go up against their Pacific rivals for a spot in the Four-Nations Tournament alongside New Zealand, Australia and England.

“They’re a pretty strong team to play against. This is actually a Four-Nations qualifier, so the team that wins will play the winner from the Samoa and Tonga game and the winner from that game will qualify for Four-Nations.

“This will be the curtain-raiser for the trans-Tasman test between Australia and New Zealand. Fiji and PNG will play the Melanesian Cup challenge and Samoa and Tonga will play the Polynesian Cup challenge.”

The Vodafone Fijian Bati will play the PNG Kumuls on May 2 in the Melanesian Cup Challenge in Brisbane, Australia.

Feedback:  eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj