‘No heart for the jersey’: Dakuitoga slams Bati’s performance

There is an urgent need for the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) board to act swiftly by making massive changes and also review the selection process of the Fiji Bati team. 

The call came yesterday from former Fiji Bati star back and Nadera Panthers coach Vula Dakuitoga. He was reacting to the Bati’s humiliating 50-18 defeat to the Papua New Guinea Kumuls during last Saturday’s NRL Pacific Championships’ Pacific Bowl clash at Port Moresby. 

The big loss, he says, means an urgent move to fix our woes as the Rugby League World Cup is set for next year. The Bati has not beaten the Kumuls for the past three years. 

Speaking to SUNsports, Dakuitoga indicated that it was a disappointing sight to see our own ‘star studded’ side with NRL reps get toppled by a team where majority of their players are from their local franchise club PNG Hunters. 

“It is disappointing to watch that game; we were beaten badly,” he said. 

“We can clearly see the players had no heart or pride for the jersey, what a disappointing performance.” 

The no-nonsense coach said most of the PNG Kumuls players were breaking tackles all throughout the game. 

“We played really poorly; lose carries, incomplete sets and lazy defence were all part of it. This is why we need a team that consists of local and international players blended together as one.” 

Vula Dakuitoga

Dakuitoga has called on FNRL to consider having 60% local players and 40% international players in making up the Fiji Bati squad. 

“We have good players in the local competition who can do the damage on the big stage. There is a need to select these players because they will get the job done when needed,” he said. 

He gave an example on how local-based players dominated the Fiji Bati squad to the 2008 Rugby League World Cup where they reached the semi-final for the first time. 

Dakuitoga said FNRL must stop making excuses and now is the time to make changes. 

“It is time to make a change, we are tired of seeing our team get beaten,” Dakuitoga added. 

He also called on FNRL to put in place a panel of selectors. 

“The current coach only chooses his players; that is why we are losing. 

“We need to have a panel to identify players who will give everything for their country,” Dakuitoga said. 

Dakuitoga said the Fiji Bati was forged on blood, sweat, tears, pride for the country and the love for the jersey. 

“It is no more now; the current players in the team are just playing for the money. 

“We need to change now before it is late and we keep losing to the same team every year,” he added. 

When contacted FNRL board chairman Akuila Masi was not available to make a comment.