FNRL CEO says, mental preparation is crucial for New Zealand  showdown

Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chief executive officer Timoci Naleba said the Vodafone Fijian Bati have the capacity to win the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) but the onus was on them getting the job done on game day.

“They have that capacity to win the RLWC but it is just them having the confidence during the game and at that particular time,” Naleba said.

“We have the physical ability and the technical aspect to be able to win the game on Saturday.”

He made this comments shedding light in to the Bati’s course that had set them on a collision course with Rugby League power-house New Zealand.

“The most important thing going in to the quarterfinal for the players is their mindset, the way they think about the game and the way they think about themselves playing a good game. That is the most important thing going in to the game.”

He said the onus was also on head coach Mick Potter in ensuring that their players were prepared well mentally.

“Mick (Potter) will have to work hard with his team management to get the players ready mentally for the upcoming quarterfinals.”

The two sides are scheduled to meet in the upcoming RLWC quarterfinals with the Bati coming back from a decisive 38-10 win over Italy, while NZ still licking their wounds after a 28–22 shocking loss to a revitalised Tongan side on Saturday.  According to Bati manager, the tea,m have left for Wellington yesterday.

They will be meeting in the second quarterfinal this Saturday at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand. Edited by  Leone Cabenatabua

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