Manly Sea Eagles winger Akuila Uate believes the Tri-Nations Series between the Vodafone Fijian Bati, Australian Kangaroos and Papua New Guinea Kumuls would be a good preparation for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The Tri Nation Series will be hosted at the ANZ Stadium on October 14 while the Rugby League World Cup will begin from October 27 to December 2 and will be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The Namatakula villager arrived into the country yesterday with Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles stand-off player Apisai Koroisau and youngster Viliame Kikau who made his debut for Penrith Panthers this season. The NRL players are here to be part of the Tri Nation launching at Novotel Suva Lami Bay Hotel at 6.30pm today.

“Playing the Kangaroos and Kumuls would definitely boost our preparation for the RLWC.

“It’s tough going to the World Cup so we need to have matches like this to prepare us well,”Uate said.

“It’s an honour for us to come to Fiji this week and we are definitely looking forward to the October games. There are young players in the team and we just need to step up and hopefully play well in front of our families here,” Uate said.

Evans is always passionate about playing for Fiji. He is always the first NRL player to put his hand up for Fiji.

“Very passionate about Fiji, such a humble and great nation and I can’t wait to get selected for the World Cup and play my heart out for Fiji,” Evans said.

Koroisau anticipates an exciting Tri Nation Series and exciting times for the sport in Fiji.

“I could say this is one of the biggest steps Fiji has taken in terms of growing the sport in Fiji.

“The Tri Nation is going to be massive I’m excited and can’t wait for October.

Panthers rookie Kikau, 22, said;” It’s an honour to be in Fiji and to be part of this Tri-Nation Series launching.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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