Fiji’s rugby league team, the Fiji Bati, is set to enhance their forward lineup for the upcoming Pacific Championships with the inclusion of the Fainu brothers, Samuela and Sione. The siblings, who have also been considering representing Tonga, have decided to play for Fiji, and they might be joined by their brother, Latu, in next year’s World Cup, pending his recovery from shoulder surgery.
As part of their strategy for the Pacific Bowl matches against Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, the Fiji Bati squad is bringing in five players from the Wests Tigers, including Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, and rookie playmaker Joese Lanyon. While Fiji adds strength to their team, notable absences include Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau and Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau, who will miss the championships due to his wedding.
Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has also shown interest in joining the Fiji Bati, though his participation depends on whether he is selected for the Kangaroos for the Ashes series in England. Noteworthy, Nawaqanitawase’s father moved to Australia in 1991 to play rugby league, linking his heritage to the sport’s local culture.
Over the past few years, the Fiji Bati has embraced a generational shift, incorporating promising young talents such as Kurt Donoghoe, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, and Jethro Rinakima, all established names in the NRL now. Captain Tui Kamikamica, who is featuring in the NRL Grand Final against the Broncos, will lead the team through the intensively scheduled match days.
The Pacific Bowl, held at Santos National Stadium in Port Moresby over three consecutive Saturdays, will see the Kumuls attempting a third consecutive win. This year’s tournament holds a unique position without a promotion-relegation match despite the World Cup slated for Australia and Papua New Guinea next season.
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls anticipate the return of try-leading Alex Johnston and will expect prominent performances from Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, and Rhyse Martin, who are involved in Super League finals. Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou is looking for a replacement for Kyle Laybutt following his retirement, considering the PNG Hunters’ rising prospects.
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands aim to strengthen their squad as they prepare for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They hope to feature Broncos forwards Brendan Piakura and Xavier Willison, alongside seasoned NRL presences such as Sharks’ KL Iro and Rabbitohs’ Davvy Moale.
This upcoming tournament signifies a wealth of talent coming together, building excitement around not only national pride but also the future prospects and ambitions leading to next year’s World Cup. Both seasoned international players and promising rookies will display their capabilities on the Pacific rugby league stage, providing thrilling contests full of skill and fervor.