Vodafone Fijian Bati hooker Api Koroisau, will be our go-to-man when we face Australia in our Rugby League World Cup opener at Headingly Stadium in Leeds, England on Sunday morning (Fiji time).

This was revealed yesterday to SUN-sports, by interim Bati head coach Wise Kativerata.

Koroisau and powerhouse second rower Viliame Kikau starred for the Penrith Panthers when they retained the National Rugby League (NRL) Premiership title in Sydney, Australia, two weeks ago.

They were both named in the Dally M Team of the Year.

Koroisau also played for NSW Blues in the State of the Origin Series.

Speaking to SUNsports, Kativerata said it was important to complete their sets.

“Everything we do will evolve around Api Koroisau, he is our go-to-man,” he said.

“If we can control the ball with 70 per cent completion then we have a good chance.”

“We have worked on our complete sets and defence. We have to keep it simple, keep the possession and when the opportunity comes will have to take them.”

Kativerata said every set should be different and players should be playing to what’s in front of them and responding to the ability of their more creative players inside.

“It is good to see the boy’s responding to the call,” he added.

Despite, the 50-0 loss to England in last week’s warm-up coupled with injuries to key players and head coach Joe Rabele being ill, Kativerata said the Bati mission at the World Cup must go ahead.

“Whatever happened last week is done. We cannot change it so I have to keep the boys aligned on the mission ahead.”

The side was reinforced this week with the arrival of Kikau, Koroisau, Maika Sivo and Sunia Turuva. Also, UK-based veteran forward Korbin Sims has joined the team’s camp.

“They bring a huge change into the team. When these players arrived a lot of things changed on and off the field. “

“Their leadership is quality and second to none and players responded well to them be-cause they are all NRL players.”

The match kicks off at 6.30am.

FIJI BATI LINE-UP

1.Sunia Turuva, 5. Miteli Vulikijapani, 4.Kevin Naiqama (c), 19.Semi Valemei, 2.Maika Sivo; 6.Sitiveni Moceidreke, 7.Brandon Wakeham; 17.King Vuniyayawa, 9.Apisai Koroisau, 13.Tui Kamikamica, 12.Viliame Kikau, 22.Josh Wong, 16.Lamar Manuel-Liolevave.

Interchange: 14.Penioni Tagituimu, 23.Jowasa Drodrolagi, 10.Ben Nakubuwai, 11.Taniela Sadrugu, 18.Netane Masima, 21.Isaac Lumelume

Story By: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj