Karawalevu Replaces Montoya

Sydney Roosters winger Vuate Karawalevu, 21, will replace Auckland Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya, in the Vodafone Fiji Bati 24-member squad to the Rugby League World Cup in Eng­land from October 15 to November 19.

This has been confirmed by the Fi­jian Bati coach, Josaisa Rabele.

Rabele was forced to make chang­es after several key players playing in the National Rugby League said they were unavailable because of injury.

This include brothers Dan­iel and Jacob Saifiti, Tariq Sims, Marcelo Montoya, Jo Lovodua and Kane Evans.

They are replaced by Karawalevu, Taniela Sadrugu, Pio Seci and Ben Nakubuwai.

“This is a mixture of NRL, New South Wales Cup and Queensland Cup,” Rabele said.

“Evans is replaced by Nakubu­wai, Seci replaces Tariq, the Saifiti brothers are replaced by Sad­rugu and Lamar Liolevave while backline Montoya is replaced by Karawalevu.

“This is the latest change and inclusion as our submission was due on Monday (September 19) to the RLWC board. Korbin Sims and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have not responded to the email that was sent,” he said.

Rabele added that Apisai Koroi­sau who he hopes will play five-eighth or hooker has yet to con­firm his availability.

Koroisau is also under considera­tion for a place in Mal Meninga’s 24-man Kangaroos squad for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Bati co-skipper Vil­iame Kikau and Koroisau will play for Panthers in their final game at Penrith in Friday night’s NRL finals opener against Parramatta.

Rabele, team manager Tevita Koroisaya, Seci and trainer Jone Wesele were farewelled during a church service in Nabua on Sun­day; they presented their itatau to the President, Ratu Wiliame Ka­tonivere, on Monday.

They leave today to join the NRL players, who will all assemble in Australia on Friday.

The Bati team departs for Eng­land on September 25. They take on Australia in their RLWC opener on October 15.

The final 24-member squad will be announced by World Rugby League, according to Rabele.

Yesterday, major sponsor for Bati, Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF) launched its Rugby League World Cup road­show at Extras Supermarket in Laucala Beach.

Similar roadshows to be held in the Central, Western and the Northern divisions will be con­firmed later.

“If you buy any five FMF items you can choose from the freebies; rugby balls, nap sack, FMF sun­glasses and caps,” FMF As­sis­tant mar­ket­ing manager Alana Ah Yuk said.

Story by:  Sereana Salalo

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj