Mick Potter's work permit approved as Fiji Bati step up World Cup preparations

The work permit of Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter has come through.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) executive chairman Rajesh Singh.

“The visa approval is from World Cup to World Cup, and it’s a relief that it has come through,” he said.

“We’re expecting Potter to be coming in probably next week.”

The 62-year-old will be based in Suva and we’ll have four local coaches understudying him. Potter coached the Bati to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) where they beat New Zealand 4-2 in the quarterfinal before facing Australia in the semi-final. The RLWC, which is hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be from October 15- November 15

Singh recently returned from Australia where he met with Potter, players (men and women) playing in the NRL (National Rugby League on the NRLW) and the former Fiji Bati players.

He said Potter and Bati manager Luke Goodwin had been in touch with the players on their availability for the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).

“I’ve been told that 40 players have declared their interest to play for the Bati. These players have been playing in the NRL, New South Wales Cup, Queensland Cup and the Super League in Europe.”

Singh highlighted that forward Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau are also available.

Other players expecting to join them are Sunia Turuva, Jahream Bula, Jethro Rinakama, Brandon Wakeham, Kurt Donoghoe and list goes on.

“Also, I had the opportunity of meeting the Fiji Bulikula (women) players where I assured them that they’ll get the same treatment as the men’s team. The Bulikula players are very committed to play in their first World Cup,” he said

“I visited rugby league clubs like Hornets and Jacks where we discussed about pathways for our local players. Also, the Fijian and Indo Fijian communities seeking for their support during the World Cup.”

The Bati is in Pool A where they face Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. For the women’s competition, the Bulikula is in Pool B along with France, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.