Bati captain to play for Storm in NRL grand-final

Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Akuila Masi has sent their well wishes to Fijian Bati captain Tui Kamikamica as his Melbourne Storm side prepares for Sunday night’s NRL grand-final.

The Storm takes on Brisbane Broncos at 8.30pm at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. 

Kamikamica was named in yesterday’s(Friday) 25-member squad for the Pacific Championship in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from October 18 to November 1. 

“We are excited about Tui (Kamikamica) participating in the final, we wish him all the best,” Masi said. 

“We are with you Tui, hopefully you can win the title this year.

“We can’t wait for him to join the team and represent Fiji in the upcoming Pacific Championship,” he added.

Masi said the 25-member squad will be trimmed by head coach Wise Kativerata next Tuesday. 

This squad includes rugby league convert Mark Nawaqanitawase, senior players like Semi Valemei, Fainu brothers – Samuela and Sione, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake and Brandon Wakeham. Keresi Maya was the lone local-based player in the squad. 

Masi also announced FNRL’s three-year partnership with Pherrus for the next three years. 

Bulikula head coach Joe Rabele also announced his 24-member squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Canada on October 18. 

The side will be without last year’s captain Talei Homes who is out due to personal commitments. 

Their campaign has been boosted by a $209,825.00 funding from the Fiji National Sports Commission, which was handed by its chief executive officer Peter Mazey. Two thirds of the funds will be for the Bulikula team while one third will be for the Bati and the Vusu Raiders in preparation for the Melanesian Cup. 

MATCHES 

October 18: Fiji Bati v Cook Islands Aitu, PNG Orchids v Cook Islands Moana 

October 25: PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu, Tonga XIII v Cook Islands Moana 

November 1: PNG Kumuls v Fiji Bati, PNG Orchids v Tonga XIII

SQUADS: 

Fiji Bati: Jahream Bula, Semi Valemei, Sunia Turuva, Jethro Rinakama, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Waqa Blake, Taane Milne, Solomone Saukuru, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Keresi Maya, Sione Fainu, Tui Kamikamica, Michael Waqa, Ben Nakubuwai, Samuela Fainu, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Joese Lanyon, Kylan Mafoa, Jordin Leiu, Akuila Qoro, Meli Nasau, Joseph Litidamu.

Bulikula: Cassie Staples, Isabella Waterman, Sienna Laing, Taina Naividi, Maria Paseka, Sereana Naitokatoka, Luisa Yaranamu, Asham Leilani, Teaghan Hartigan, Latisha Smythe, Joy Levy, Kelilani Manu, Tahila Marshall, Tanika Newtown, Ebony Laing, Josiliva Moceinacagi, Mere Kilawekana, Nunia Kawa, Naomi Tegu. 

Non-travelling reserves: Rory Muller, Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Kinisalote Vusawa.