Watch Ratuva, 15 Fijians In NRL Opener

Young Bati in the making, Ilesa Ratuva is among a raft of Fijian players predicted to be rostered in the NRL’s season-opening this weekend.

Ratuva, who is currently signed with the New Zealand Warriors, could rub shoulders with his older Fijian Bati brothers Marcelo Montoya and Kane Evans and make his NRL debut.

NRL.com released its prediction on which players may best don the first-17 jumpers of 16 NRL clubs vying for the 2021 Premiership title.

Dragons Tariq Sims have Mika Ravalawa and Brayden Wiliame predicted to make this week’s final cut. Ravalawa, who made his NRL debut in the opening round of 2019 against North Queensland Cowboys, is a hard hitter who cannot be missed. The entertainment brought to the game by Fijians like Ravalawa, Maika Sivo and Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau, Waqa Blake and Tui Kamikamica has been nothing short of exceptional and this week’s opening round is likely to get even better with good 10 plus Bati players predicted to bring the season to life.

Vodafone Fiji Bati head-coach Joe Rabele, reminisced his days playing for the Penrith Panthers saying there is much energy to the game from fans who love and support the game in Australia.

“I’m always get taken away by the crowds at the NRL. You turn-up on game day and see so many supporters who have your back... it is absolutely amazing, and I loved it,” he said.

The NRL season kicks-off tomorrow with the Storms taking on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

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