Saukuru on Potter’s Bati radar

Young rookie centre Solomone Saukuru is on the radar of Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter ahead of World Cup.

Saukuru made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut for the West Tigers against St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.

Despite the 24-22 loss, Saukuru scored a double on his debut.

His first try was after an assist from West Tigers captain and Fiji Bati hooker Apisai Koroisau.

Then his second try with an assist from Tigers fullback Jahream Bula.

"I've been tracking him (Saukuru) for more than 12 months and I'm surprised that he didn't get selected before this," Potter said.

"He's finally got his opportunity and he's a big, strong lad. I really rate him as I think he can beat his opposition.

Potter added that Saukuru was competent in defence.

"Moving forward, I think he's hard to displace and hard not to pick," he said.

Potter is yet to name his 40-men squad for the RLWC in October.

Kikau hopeful of Kamikamica's return

Meanwhile, Fiji Bati second-rower Viliame Kikau told Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) media he was hopeful that Bati captain Tui Kamikamica would be cleared to join their World Cup campaign in October.

"He means a lot, he's captained the side and if he plays, he's probably going to be the captain again," Kikau said.

“The boys love how he (Kamikamica) leads. He leads with action and he’s one of probably two or three of us who were born, bred and raised in Fiji. He didn’t come to Australia until he was 18 or 19.”

Tui suffered a severe stroke in March, which left him temporarily unable to speak or move.

He underwent emergency brain and heart surgery to remove a blood clot caused by a patent foramen vale (PFO).

Kikau added that his Bati teammates shared the same sentiments on Kamikamica’s return for the World Cup.

West Tigers and Bati winger Sunia Turuva is hopeful of Kamikamica’s return to the Bati squad for a chance to have a successful World Cup campaign.

Kamikamica has been an inspiration for Bati fullback Bula on and off the field.

“He (Kamikamica) is very professional. He is always stretching every time you go into the team room; he doesn’t eat bad and he looks after his body, so he practices what he preaches,” he said.

Kamikamica last played for the Melbourne Storm in Round Four of the NRL match against the Cowboys on March 28.