Fiji Bati Squad Named for Melanesian Cup Test against PNG Kumuls

The Fiji National Rugby League has  named its 30-man squad for the upcoming Melanesian Cup Test Match against the PNG Kumuls on Saturday June 25.

The Bati squad features 15 NRL players, with Sydney Roosters winger, Kevin Naiqama, named captain and Panthers player, Viliame Kikau, named vice captain.

Other NRL players named include Issac Lumelume, Braydon Wakeham and Penioni Tagituimua from the Caterbury Bulldogs, Sunia Turuva from the Penrith Panthers, Semi Valemei from the Canberra Raiders, Mikaele Ravalawa from the St George Illawarra Dragons, Maika Sivo from the Parramatta Eels, Vuate Karawalevu and Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm, Taane Milne from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, along with Iosefo Masi, Taniela Sadrugu, and Laitia Moceidreke from the Queensland Cowboys.

Other players included in the squad are Joseph Ratu, Pio Seci, Netane Masima, Lamar Liolevave, Nasoki Ralulu, Waqasaqa Qiolevu, Marika Turagaiviu, Mesake Kurikitoga, Maika Tudravu, Kaylen Miller, Ratu Inoke Vasuturaga, Tikiko Noke, Joseva Rasiga, Ethan Robinson and Pio Sokobalavu.

The squad will be reduced in the lead up to the Test.

Meanwhile, the PNG Kumuls  squad to expected to be  named soon to face Fiji in a mid-year Pacific Test match, according to an official.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman Sandis Tsaka said  that Michael Marum’s successor would name the final 17-man line-up for the Campbelltown Stadium clash in Sydney on June 25.

“The selection of the Kumuls is the responsibility of the coach and national selectors,” he said.

“The PNGRFL board is delivering it (squad list) and we hope to announce that by tomorrow 1pm.

“We will announce the new coach and selectors. It’s also the same for the Orchids. It’s the role of the coach and selectors (to finalise the line-up).”

The Batis and Kumuls last met in the 2019 Oceania Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand, where PNG went down 20-22 in a thriller.

The representative weekend will also see Samoa face the Cook Islands at Campbelltown. New Zealand will host Tonga in Auckland on the same day – 24 hours before game two of the State of Origin series.

Meanwhile, the Batis named their 25-man squad on Tuesday, according to Fiji Sun.

The side will have the services of big-name National Rugby League players in Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau, Mikaele Ravalawa, Maika Sivo, Semi Valemi and Tui Kamikamica. Fiji Sun reported that Batis coach Josaia Rabele would use the Pacific Test to prepare for the Rugby League World Cup which would be held in England in October.

“This is the time for us to go through our game structure against a strong Kumuls side before the World Cup,” he said.

Source : TheNational/PNG Today / Asia Pacific Rugby 

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