Mick Potter returns as Fiji Bati coach

Former Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter is set to return to the national rugby league side as Fiji prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Rajesh Singh confirmed that Potter has signed a four-year contract, with the organisation now awaiting approval of his work permit before he officially resumes duties.

Potter, who guided Fiji to the semi-finals of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, will lead the Bati through the next World Cup cycle, beginning with this year’s tournament to be jointly hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 15 to November 15.

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will feature men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions running simultaneously.

“Mick has signed his contract and we are lodging his work permit application. Once that is approved, he will come in and start work full-time,” Singh said.

“He is on a four-year contract, taking us from one World Cup cycle to the next.”

Singh said the FNRL was pleased to welcome Potter back, given his successful record with the national side.

Under Potter’s guidance, Fiji produced one of the biggest upsets in Rugby League World Cup history when the Bati defeated New Zealand during the 2017 campaign before advancing to the semi-finals.

Preparations for this year’s World Cup will be straightforward, with no international Test matches scheduled before the tournament.

“There won’t be any Test matches because of the World Cup schedule and the NRL season finishing on October 4,” Singh said.

“The players will arrive in Fiji once the NRL season concludes and both the Fiji Bati and Fiji Kula squads will enter camp at Uprising.

“The teams will then depart on October 11 for Newcastle, where Fiji will open its campaign against the Cook Islands on October 17.”

Singh said discussions were continuing on the appointment of Potter’s support staff.

“Mick has provided some names and we will discuss those options. Ultimately, the head coach will have a major say in selecting his coaching staff,” he said.

With one of Fiji rugby league’s most successful coaches back in charge, hopes are high that the Bati can once again challenge the world’s best on the sport’s biggest stage.