Potter applauds partnership for future development

Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter is taking a holistic approach towards the development of rugby league in the country.

This would be boosted by Fiji’s inclusion in the Pacific Rugby League Partnership which was officially signed yesterday. They now join Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.

Potter is in full support of the signing of the Statement of Partnership with the Pacific Rugby League Federation.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the document in Parliament in the presence of Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Commissioner Peter Beattie.

Beattie was accompanied by National Rugby League (NRL) manager – Pacific Strategy Anthony Trimarchi, alongside Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Patel.Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru was also present.

“Part of my role is to develop players and to look at everyone, not just the Bati team,” Potter said.

“It’s a holistic approach. I want to get into schools, work with coaches and see the local talent.”

He has observed the wealth of talent that Fiji has to offer in the domestic competition.

“We have plenty of enthusiasm among the players here, and I’m surprised at how physical the game is here,” Potter said.

Potter has been engaging with the rugby league community by attending several Vodafone Cup matches since he assumed the role last month.

“We’re looking to develop rugby league in Fiji, down from primary schools right through the grades to Fiji Bati,” Potter said.

“The more players we have at the bottom, the better the Bati players we’ll have at the top.”

He added that the partnership could bring in revenue that would benefit the sporting body in Fiji.

“Having the funds come through, we’ll be able to employ Fijians who want to work hard and be involved in rugby league,” he said.

Saukuru said the agreement would benefit secondary schools in Fiji.

The initiative, backed by the Australian government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), is valued at about AU$250 million (FJ$390.13 million).

“It’s for the development of the sport here in Fiji,” Saukuru said.

“We are so fortunate that this is happening.

“The pathway is already there, but it will enhance the pathway that we have to Australia.”

Saukuru added that the agreement could be crucial to the Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula’s preparation for the Rugby League World Cup in October.