Canterbury Bankstown- Bulldogs scrum half Brandom Wakeham is going to start for the Vodafone Fijian Bati when they take on Toa Samoa in the Oceania Test on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 20-year-old made his international debut for the Bati during their 56-14 win over Lebanon in July’s Pacific Test at the Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia. He scored 20 points in the win.

Soon after that, he made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut for the Bulldogs off the interchange bench in his side’s 14-12 win over the Cronulla Sharks.

Wakeham played majority of the game at five-eighth after Kieran Foran left the field in the early stages due to injury.

Bati head coach Bradon Costin said he has put together a winning combination for the Samoa clash.

“I’m confident as the players are gelling well,” he said after they arrived in Auckland on Tuesday.

“We also spent a week in Sydney after the World Nines and have been training together.”

Also making his way back to the team is Melbourne Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu while Kevin Naiqama is going to captain the side.

The winner of Group B will progress to Group A, and the team that finish last in Group A will be demoted to Group B in 2020.

The Bati are currently ranked 5th in the international rankings and the Oceania Test will be an opportunity to improve their rankings.

The match will be shown live on Fiji One.

The match kicks-off at 3.20pm

Bati squad: Siti Moceidreke, Isaac Lumelume, Taane Milne, Brayden Wiliame, Suli Vunivalu, Kevin Naiqama, Brandon Wakeham, Kane Evans, Joey Lovodua, Tui Kamikamica, Vili Kikau, Ben Nakubuwai, D’Rhys Miller, Joey Ratu, Penioni Tagituimua, Lamar Liolavave, King Vuniyayawa, Maika Sivo, Junior Roqica.

Edited by Sheldon Chanel

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