Fiji Batis to take on PNG Kumuls in a test match

It’s confirmed that the Vodafone Fiji Bati will play the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in a test match next May.

The test is sanctioned by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) and will be staged in Sydney, Australia.

When contacted last night, Fiji National Rugby League chairman Immanuel Reuben said they were hoping to expose more local players against the Kumuls.

“It will be held in May and the winner of the test match will go on to play Tonga and Samoa later in the year,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for us to better our world ranking. We are hoping to send a team that has an equal number of overseas-based players with the local players. For that to happen we will include more local players.”

Reuben said with the test clash in May and the 2015 season starting in February, they are hoping to sort out all the formalities with the Fiji National Sports Commission regarding the appointment of new Bati head coach Shane Morris.

“Once all that is sorted the preparations for the test with PNG can go into full swing. This is all part of our building up to the 2018 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. We want to expose as many of our local players as possible.

“Looking back at the 2008 World Cup, there were many more local players who did very well and gained much exposure. They have since signed overseas contracts and we hope to recreate that same kind of success and exposure for them moving towards the next World Cup.

“We are anticipating all these good things as we prepare towards the next World Cup.”

Reuben thanked all FNRL supporters for making this year a successful one.

“On behalf of FNRL and the rugby league family throughout Fiji, I just want to take this time to thank all our supporters, family and friends for the endless support throughout the year. We’re very thankful to have made it through another year and we couldn’t have done it without you.

“I must acknowledge the huge support we have received from our two major sponsors Vodafone Fiji and Fiji Sun for their tremendous support throughout the year.

“We look forward to a successful and prosperous 2015.”

The Vodafone Fiji Bati are currently ranked fifth in the latest RLIF rankings.

Source: FijiSun