Fiji

[Druzik]

www.theworldpress.com/press/worldpress/fijipress/fijitimes.htm

ONLY three players named in the Vodafone Fiji Bati rugby league side for the match against the Australian Affiliated States team tonight at the National Stadium.

Skipper Jone Macilai, Kailova Tani and Sitiveni Logaivau all played for the Bati at the South Pacific Games last year.

Rising star Nasoni Yalayala is one of the new caps named inteam.

Yalayala, the Islands Electric Lautoka Crushers fullback, has been fine form recently in the Vodafone Cup competition.

He is among the leading try scorers in the Western Conference and also boasts a reliable right boot.

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Peni Musunamasi said the rest of the players were all new and it was an opportunity for them to stake a claim for the World Cup.

"This is an international match and it will be a good exposure for the players," Musunamasi said.

FNRL will use the match to gauge the level of preparations of the Bati squad members in anticipation of participating successfully at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia in October.

Saint George Illawarra Dragons four-member coaching staff of Kurt Wrigley (assistant coach), Max Ninness (skills coach), Scott Stewart (education/welfare officer) and Steve Price (U20 coach) have been working with the side.

The Fiji Bati team for the RLWC will be named on October 7.

Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B for the Rugby League World Cup.

Match will kick off at 5pm.

Starting team

Jone Macilai, Jone Yacadrau, Atunaisa, Etika, Nasoni Yala, Nemani Sauturaga, Kaliova Tani Nauqe, Semi Cakau, Jope Tuivanuavou, Osea Sadrau, Livai Saukuru, Josateki Sovau, Sivorosi Lecanadau.

Reserve- Neori Buli, Sitiveni Logaivau, Fero Tabakisuva, Epeli Soro.

[Druzik]

Aussie wants to be a Bati
Wednesday, June 18, 2008


AUSTRALIA-based Fijian Waisake Rauroro has expressed interest in playing for his country of birth after his Australian Affiliated States side went down to the Fiji Bati 22-26 last night.

The 24-year-old Nabudrau lad from Rewa, who left Fiji as a two-year-old, has always had Fiji at heart.

"I've always been proud of being a Fijian and even though I've been raised in Australia, I've always dreamt of playing for Fiji someday.

"This is my debut match for the AAS side but if given a chance I'd like to play for Fiji at the World Cup.

"I had a word with the Fiji Rugby League guys before the game where I indicated my availability," he said.

The Perth-based scaffolder plays on the first division for the Central Bulldogs in Western Australia.

[Druzik]

Macilai leads Bati to historical win
OTILLY RABUKU
Wednesday, June 18, 2008

FULLBACK Jone Macilai led the Fiji Bati to victory over the Australian Affiliated States XIII 26-22 yesterday at the National Stadium in Suva.

Macilai believes Fiji is now on track for the Rugby League World Cup.

The 24-year-old was handed the captaincy role for the first time yesterday.

"This is the first time a Bati team made up of only local players has won against an international team and I can say we've proven ourselves," he said. "Despite having no overseas exposure, I believe there is a lot of talent amongst local players and come the selection for the World Cup, selectors will definitely have a tough job.

The man from Saqani in Cakaudrove who was raised in Nadroga believes a lot of local players could force their way into the World Cup team.

Macilai made a sterling return to the sport after sustaining a hamstring injury against the Junior Kangaroos last year which ruled him out for a few months. "We worked as a team, played our hearts out and this is a special day for all of us.

"I thank God for today's win which we dedicate to our sponsors, family, clubs, rugby league family in Fiji and our fans."

Fiji Bati coach Joe Rabele said the local players had established that selection would be tough.

"This game was to see where we're at in terms of our World Cup preparations and judging from today's performance, I can say we're on par," Rabele said.

"I take my hat off to the 16 new caps that played today. It's like they've been playing together for a long time."

Winger Jone Yacadrau scored Fiji's first try in the opening minute of play. Fiji kept the Aussies on their toes with a 20-10 lead at halftime. Other tries in the game went to five eight Nemani Sauturaga (2), Epeli Soro, Macilai while halfback Kaliova Nauqe managed three conversions.

AAS coach Andrew Korn said the Fijian flair made a Fiji side unique. Fiji is in Pool 2 with France and Scotland and takes on France in the opening game of the World Cup on November 1.

[jim]

good result for them, I like what fiji are doing with relying on alot of locals mixed with the odd NRL/SL players. Will be better for RL in Fiji in the long run.

[rhino]

great result for Fiji

[rhino]

Dont know if you have seen these and sorry dont have the links

but go to youtube and type in the search box :

"Vodafone Fiji Bati Song "

And

"Fiji Bati on MAI tv"

[Marv]

Whats this Fiji tour thats seems to be happening this month?

[Druzik]

Its some of the Aussie based Fiji players that wernt in the WC and english based players that are playing games as Fiji A in and around manchester.

[Marv]

And Barrow it seems!! how cool is that

[Druzik]

Dec 5, 2008 2:13:03 GMT 10 Marv said:

And Barrow it seems!! how cool is that

Yes I saw that, the Leigh game was swaped because the GB community Lions played there. You going to the fiji game?

[Marv]

Beat Hunslet 42-10 yesterday

[Druzik]

Crowd size?

BTW what was the GB v AIS score on the weekend?

[Marv]

710 at Hunslet

sorry dont know about community lions V AIS

[Druzik]

Dont wnat to steal Marves thunder too much, he was t the Barrow Fiji match last night but 26-26! Sounded like a absolute cracker of a match.

[Druzik]

Dec 15, 2008 17:56:03 GMT 10 Druzik said:

Dont wnat to steal Marves thunder too much, he was t the Barrow Fiji match last night but 26-26! Sounded like a absolute cracker of a match.

Crowd was 1055.