When the Vodafone Fijian Bati take on USA Hawks in their 2017 Rugby League World Cup opener in Townsville, Australia, tonight all focus has been on Jarryd Hayne.

Already Bati head coach Mick Potter has said that the ‘Hayne Plane’ is an X-factor and from his five-eighth position he’s expected to direct all their moves.

The same could be said for Bati captain Kevin Naiqama who is going to spearhead our counter attacks from his full-back berth. He did a sterling job during the 2013 RLWC in London and there are already high expectations of him to do it again.

In the forwards, all eyes are on Vanuabalavu native, Kane Evans, who is going to be in the thick of things.

Despite being a youngster his performance at the last World Cup had rugby league heavyweights sit up and take notice.

This year, Evans, a lock has been the target of top NRL clubs after his contract with Sydney Roosters had expired. He has now signed-up with Parramatta Eels.

Hayne, Naiqama and Evans hold the key in tonight’s game as the Bati focus on a winning start to their rugby league World Cup campaign. Kickoff at 9.40pm.  

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