‘Bati can do it’: Dakuitoga

The Fiji Bati can still make the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) quarterfinals despite being in a tough pool.

This is the view of former Bati star first five and Nadera Panthers winning coach Vula Dakuitoga.

The Bati is in Group A where they face defending RLWC champions Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Dakuitoga believes the Bati has what it takes to defy all odds and march on to the quarterfinals.

“Anything is possible,” the no-nonsense coach said.

“Our opponents got the same number of fingers and toes, we can take them on.”

The Bati under head coach Mick Potter defeated New Zealand 4-2 at the 2017 RLWC quarterfinals in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Fijians came close of beating New Zealand again at the 2022 RLWC where they led for most part of the game only to be beaten 18-24 in the final minute.

Former Fiji Bati head coach and now Canterbury Bulldogs development coach Mick Potter works with their newly signed players at the Kaiviti Silktails Rugby League Club in Lautoka on December 9, 2025. Potter coached the Bati side that beat New Zealand 4-2 at the 2017 RLWC. Inset: Former Fiji Bati rep Vula Dakuitoga.

Photo: Kaiviti Silktails

The Bati has only beaten New Zealand once but has not been successful against Australia during their semi-final clash of the 2008, 2023, 2017 RLWC.

“We need to be on our gameplan come game day. Completing our sets is very important, that is the only way we can achieve our metrEs and score points,” Dakuitoga added.

He said the Bati faced a lot of problems against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in the recent final of the Pacific Bowl Championship despite having a lot of NRL players in the team.

“We struggled to find our rhythm against PNG.

“Our sets were not completed and defence was poor. That cannot happen again if we are to compete for the top spot at the 2026 World Cup,” he said.

Dakuitoga believes the coaching panel must select the best players for the RLWC.

“New Zealand beat a very good Samoa side this year and Australia winning the Test series against England. That is an indication of how competitive our pool is,” he said.

Dakuitoga also stressed how crucial it is to have a good defensive gameplan.

“This game is all about defense more than offense. If we can hold our line and be competitive in offense, we shouldn’t have a problem scoring and winning,” he said.

The Bati will mostly be made-up of NRL based- players, however Dakuitoga has called for the inclusion of local-based players.

“We got talent everywhere in the field, the options are open.

“There shouldn’t be a problem to select the best for the job.”

Dakuitoga said the onus is now on the players to perform in the field and execute the job.

“The boys can do it at the end of the day it is their mentality that will make the difference. That is another area we need to stress on, mental decision making,” he said.

Dakuitoga stressed the need to be ready mentally as the game is energy consuming and tiring.

“I believe we got what it takes to make the finals. We reached the semi-finals in three World Cups but we can do it again this year but only time will tell,” he added.

UPDATE

Meanwhile, the Fiji National Rugby League board members met last night to discuss about the Bati’s poor performance during the NRL Pacific Championship. It is understood that the fate of head coach Wise Kativerata could be decided as well.

Also, FNRL will be holding a Special General Meeting on Saturday.