Oneata, Lau native Filipo Talei hopes to fulfil his father’s wish and that is to make the Vodafone Fijian Bati team to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The 2017 RLWC will be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea on October 26-December 2.

Talei, a member of the Police Sharks Rugby League team, made his first international appearance with the Vodafone Fijian Residents last year.

“I can say my fitness level now is 70 per cent and there is more to be done to impress management,”Talei said.

“I want to improve on my strength and endurance as we prepare for the coming season. And just like any other local boys, we are aiming for a spot in the RLWC squad.

“My father Peni Usa just can’t wait to see me on television donning the Fiji Bati jumper.”

The 27-year-old acknowledges his family for their never ending support.

“My wife and kids have been very supportive and I just want to thank them.”

A policeman based at the Fiji Police Academy, he played for all the Residents games and for the Police Sharks which won the Vodafone Cup competition last year.

He is married with two children and attended Oneata District School from Year One to Six, Delainamasi Primary School from Year Seven to Eight. He later pursued his secondary school education at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.

Talei started playing rugby league in 2008 after a friend introduced him to the sport and started his career with the Nabua Broncos U19 team.

“The biggest challenge for us now is to battle with the overseas-based players for a spot in the RLWC. But for local players, we just need to improve on our skills, speed and mentality in order to match up.”

Talei is also hoping for a spot in the Police team preparing for the Police World Cup in July.