Turuva backs Bati

Fullback Sunia Turuva is backing the Fiji Bati to stun the big guns at next year’s Rugby League World Cup. 

Fiji is pooled with defending champions Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. 

The Bati have made two consecutive RLWC semifinals and quarterfinals in 2017 and 2022, respectively and Turuva believes they would do the same. 

They will take on the Cook Islands in Newcastle on October 18 before facing the Kangaroos in Brisbane and the Kiwis on the Gold Coast. 

“Knowing that only two teams go through (to the semis) will be interesting but if we can take motivation from how we went at the last two World Cups then that will hold us in good stead for this one,” Turuva told nrl.com. 

“That first game in Newcastle against the Cook Islands will be pretty mad. They have Val Holmes and Brendan Piakura and they looked in their World Cup qualifier against South Africa. 

“We’ll have to be on our game in all three matches.” 

The Bati have only been winning against Cook Islands the past two years in their Pacific Cup clash; they lost to the PNG Kumuls 50-18 in their second match. 

Turuva said the loss was disappointing. 

He told nrl.com: “It’s always good to go back to PNG, it keeps you humble, seeing the way they get around the players no matter who you are playing for. 

“Whether you’re a Ron Massey Cup player or a big name in the NRL they get around you all the time and they go crazy and it will be mad to see games up there during the World Cup. 

“Being in Bati camp is always special and we formed great bonds. The boys act like we have known each other for years the way we can get around each other and have a laugh. 

“We always start our day with devotion and end the day with devotion - sharing testimonies and singing hymns. We do it before and after our games as well. 

“Tui (Kamikamica) and Brandon Wakeham are our leaders and they bring so much energy. They are serious in meetings but they know when to chill and everyone gravitates to them.” 

Turuva will also keeping an eye on Pool B and C, where Pacific powerhouses Samoa and Tonga are joined by England, France, Lebanon and PNG. 

“It has been special to see what Tonga and Samoa have been able to do in recent years,” Turuva said. 

“That’s where Fiji want to be and hopefully we can set it up at this World Cup.”