Expect more Fijian players to be playing in next year’s Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) competition.

This was after Fijian Bati head coach Josaia Rabele confirmed that former Ratu Kadavulevu School centre, Solomone Naiduki, has been named in the Parramatta Eels 30-member squad.

Then 20-year-old, Vuate Karawalevu is part of the Sydney Roosters off season training programme after a sterling performance for the Roosters Under-21 side.

Also, former sevens’ rugby players, Iosefo Masi and Taniela Sadrugu are with the North Queensland Cowboys giving their best to get the two available spots in the squad.

“These are our local talents who are a stone throw away from making their NRL debut,” Rabele told SUNsports yesterday.

“Once they get into the NRL squad, all they do is train and wait for their time to play. It’s all professional over there.”

Rabele plans to include them in the Bati squad for the June Test match against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in Australia.

“I want to test them out before including them in the World Cup squad.”

“The Rugby League World Cup is from October 15 to November 19, next year.”

Rabele said he is working on getting Sydney-based Wise Kativerata as his assistant coach for the Bati.

“Wise had been behind the recruitment of players like Semi Radradra, Viliame Kikau and Semi Valemei who are now making a name in the NRL.”

“He has also taken over a number of secondary school students and the latest were Masi and Sadrugu,” he said.

“I want Wise to connect us to these NRL clubs and an opportunity for our boys to go and play in other competitions like New South Wales Cup or the Ron Massey Cup.”

“Wise is not paid for this as he wants to help our boys secure a better future for them and their families.”

Rabele said they have had their High Performance Unit (HPU) running and including players from the age of 24 and onwards.

“Like I said before we are here to help these boys who are hoping to make it in life through their sporting talents. In what little way we can help, is all good for us.”

Naiduki with the Eels is going to play alongside Bati stars Maika Sivo, Waqa Blake and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

Cowboys assistant coach Dean Young said Masi and Sadrugu have been doing well during training.

“Masi has played a bit of rugby league and moves well at outside back while Dan is a rock in the forwards,” he said.

Also, training with the Cowboys is 21-year-old burling Fijian winger Ilaitia Moceidreke.

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