The Fijian Residents rugby league side will finish all their commitments for the year before they will consider the challenge made by Nadi Aviators president Joseph Gray.

This was confirmed yesterday by Residents head coach Josaia Rabele.

Last Saturday, Gray issued the challenge after they beat Suva Eagles 38-30 in the final of the Inter Zone Competition. He also questioned the selection criteria of the Residents squad indicating that his players have proved themselves.

Rabele said they have things to do and are focused on the task ahead.

“We will see, it’s been a long season for the boys and they have worked hard. We have other important games to focus on right now but we will consider that after. It’s not only about winning the inter zone, there are steps to be followed, we don’t want to go down and play for the sake of playing,” he said.

Rabele who coached the Vodafone Fijian Bati to the 2008 Rugby League World Cup semi-final said they have 60 players in the squad and their fitness levels were being monitored.

“Some of their players have been selected but don’t turn up for training or fail the fitness test that is why they don’t make it into the team. “We have a big squad and there are certain players who we select for certain matches,” he added.

The Residents are gearing up for their second clash against the British Amateur Rugby League team at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka tomorrow.

“We have been preparing and we will be making changes in our team and I’m confident that we will do better,” he said.