President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote has challenged the Vodafone Fiji Bati team to win the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

He made the challenge when the team presented their i-tatau at Borron House in Suva yesterday.

“It’s a great honour for me on behalf of government and the people of Fiji to receive you today, I wish to congratulate all of you for playing for Fiji,” Konrote said.

“You’ve a powerful pack, I’m aware in the previous World Cup in 2008 and 2013 the Fiji Bati qualified for the semi-finals, it’s quite an achievement. You go to this World Cup and reach the final and win, why not?”

Konrote also reminded the team the importance of carrying the Bati name into the sporting arena.

“On the field of play Fijians have the fighting spirit; they are strong and achieve great things when their mind is set right.

As patron of rugby league I’ve confidence in you, I encourage you to play with pride and bring back glory to this beloved nation.

“I convey to you my best wishes for a successful outing in the World Cup and the Tri Nations,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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