The feel good story of the 2008 RLWC in the eyes of the public was definitely the Fiji Bati. The surprise packets of the tournament went on a fairy tale like run to reach the semi-finals for the first time and defeated much more fancied opponents along the way.
With Petero Civoniceva leading the way, this year’s squad will be looking to replicate the efforts of the previous group in 2013.
Fiji Bati
RLIF World Ranking: 7
Best Result: Semi Finalists (2008)
2008 Finish: Semi Finalists
2013 RLWC Odds: $81
Reaching the semi-finals of the 2008 World Cup was a massive achievement for Fiji as a nation.
The islands were captured by the progress of The Bati and on the back of their performance rugby league is now in the midst of a period of sustained growth throughout the country.
Fiji’s first appearance at the RLWC was in 1995 and up until the last World Cup, the Bati had never progressed from the group stage.
They again find themselves in the same pool as Australia and England which has never been a good omen for Fiji having failed in 1995 and 2000 when drawn against the two rivals.
Coach Rick Stone isn’t the superstitious type though and will be aiming to take his squad to the business end of this tournament.
Team Line Up (likely)
1. Kevin Naqaima
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Wes Naqaima
4. Sisa Waqa
5. Akuila Uate
6. Ryan Millard
7. Aaron Groom
8. Petero Civoniceva (c)
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Ashton Sims
11. Tariq Sims
12. Korbin Sims
13. Jayson Bukuya
14. Kane Evans
15. Eloni Vunakece
16. Junior Roqica
17. Daryl Millard
Squad Members: Alipate Tani, James Storer, Semi Radradra, Kaliova Tani, Tikko Noke, Peni Botiki, Ilisavani Jegesa
A fairly different squad to the one that shredded the French and Irish sides in 2008 however Rick Stone has a strong line-up with a fair share of NRL and Super League experience.
The forward pack is a lot stronger than the 2008 edition led by the evergreen Civoniceva and includes devastating ball runners and hard hitters in Jayson Bukuya, Tariq Sims and his two brothers.
The backline as expected with all Fijian sides contains electrifying speed in the form of Uate, Koroibete, Waqa and the Naqaima Brothers.
The Bati will however be missing the services of Jarryd Hayne, who took his game to another level during and after the 2008 World Cup. Kevin Naiqama will certainly have some big shoes to fill.
Key Player
He came to prominence via his performances in the 2008 World Cup and I suspect we will see some more entertaining play from Akuila Uate.
The speed, agility and strength of Uate will certainly help the Bati ensure they gain good field position during matches.
It’s the individual brilliance from Uate that could take Fiji into the latter stages of the tournament just like it did five years ago. His efforts wearing the Fijian jersey against France no doubt introduced the winger to the rugby league World in 2008.
Group A Fixtures and Opponents
Vs Ireland @ Spotland Stadium, Rochdale Kick Off – Tues 29th Oct 7am AEDT
Vs Australia @ Langtree Park, St.Helens Kick Off – Sun third Nov 7am AEDT
Vs England @ The KC Stadium, Hull Kick Off – Sun 10th Nov 1:30am AEDT
Key Match
The opening match of Fiji’s campaign will be the most telling in regards to their progress. Taking on the Irish in their first match, a solid win here will more than likely ensure Fiji can progress through to the next phase of the tournament.
The last time these two sides met was in the 2008 World Cup when they played off for a spot in the semi-finals on the Gold Coast. The Bati came out on top on that occasion with a 30-14 victory and will be hoping to repeat that result.
RLWC 2013 Prospects
Fiji exceeded everyone’s expectation in 2008 and will be hoping to do much the same in this World Cup.
Having been placed in a tough pool, they will need to be consistent throughout the group matches to ensure they can progress to the quarter final stage.
I’m not sure that Fiji will be able to mirror their 2008 efforts however if Rick Stone and Petero Civoniceva can get this group to perform well as a team, anything is possible especially with the individual brilliance that the squad contains.
It would be an incredible achievement to reach the semi-finals two tournaments in a row against all odds.
Raaull
Guest
it will be interetsing to see the fijians agaainst the Irish, the core of fiji bati from 2008 batch has now gained more experience and thus have a better stand this time around. The new inclusions with the likes of ryan, marika, eloni, tariq, korbin, kane evans and others will surely help the Bati to wow the audience!! I think fiji will beat ireland wid a comfortable margin, n matches against australia and england, Fiji will surely give them a bit of belting however i do not see them winning against their might. Fiji to most likely play the Kumuls in quarters and semis against kangaroos. thats how i see things going. n final between england n aussie.
Renegade
Roar Guru
One of the most memorable moments of the 2008 World Cup was seeing the Fiji Bati side sing hymns together before and after games. The UK may be about to witness much of the same in 2013.... This is the Fijian side at Rochdale Town Hall in the lead up to their opener against Ireland this weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQvp4dCmfS8&sns=em
Renegade
Roar Guru
I think Ramsey has just used Jarryd Hayne as an example. The actual concept that he has suggested makes a lot of sense though.
Hamish
Guest
So they become mercenaries - is he Aussie or what???
The Koomz
Guest
All I can say is they need to have a domestic competition instead of picking Aussies. Go Kumuls!
Froggo
Guest
Lets talk about Vichy and the NSW Government and other big enemies or lets just play the victim. Eligibility is important here because of the odd eligibility rule where imports (who have if lucky been to the country once) have been included at the expense of locals and chop and change nationality at will. RL people have expressed surprise at this. "Hayne should play for Fiji" - perhaps he feels Australian I am always surprised that Vichy and WW2 are brought up about RL discrimination but somehow France put a very competitive team on the field in Australia in 1952 despite the scourge of having a war fought on their soil for 5 years and Vichy discrimination.? So what happened after that. Some other conspiracy theory. Mentioning Vichy on this page is equivalent to equating with Hitler. When I was at school it was considered the thickheads of the district played RL. I defended them because some RL players were my mates. They weren't all thickheads that played RL but Trenno you proved that there is still an element.
Trenno
Guest
Because he needs to make it controversial because the League boys picked on him at school.
Renegade
Roar Guru
That's a great idea Ramsey as it would ensure the big 3 don't have a monopoly on all the talent in their domestic competitions.
Matt_S
Guest
Yep, biggest disappointment Hayne turning his back on Fijian league. He could be a part of a very strong team capable of reaching the semi's again but another victory with the Roos-Ho Hum. Don't these guys realise the immense influence/drama/stories they could have if a team like Fiji went all the way??
Ramsey
Guest
Its dissappointing to see that stars like Jarryd Hayne opt to play for Australia because of money ..cant see any other reason. This is where Island rugby, either Union or league fail to make a mark in the world circles as money is not the same in the Islands. I think when it comes to world cup, the International body should compensate here..eg If Haynes is getting $50 000 for world cup playing for australia and Fiji can afford only $30 000, the international body should make up the shortfall for Fiji.
Matt_S
Guest
Ra, welcome to over 100 years of discrimination toward the game of rugby league. It's detractors don't give an inch towards it development.
The eye
Guest
Love to see a genuine rest of the world versus the Aussies regularly occur every 4 years or so which somehow had plenty of prestige attached to it.These 2 Fijian wingers would make that side and be a pleasure to watch.
eagleJack
Guest
Their mother, Jacqueline Sims, was born and raised in Fiji. Im not entirely sure why you think this is controversial?
Froggo
Guest
Getting tetchy when someone hints at the eligibility issues but its nice to know how the local Fijian League is going> I assume the Sims family were born there because according to Ra they don't look or act Fijian
Ra
Guest
Why should that be so important to you Freddo? If they look Fijian, act Fijian, have Fijian bloodlines or meet with residency requirements then that sounds Fijian to me - what's your line?
Matt_S
Guest
This is the Fiji squad. Approx 16 of the squad are Fiji born with the others coming from a parent being Fijian. No grandparent rule applies I think. You'll also notice the program in place to send potential Fijian domestic players to NSW/QLD country clubs. FIJI: Peni Botiki (Saru Dragons), Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Petero Civoniceva (Redcliffe Dolphins), Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), Aaron Groom (Asquith Magpies), Ilisavani Jegesa (Nabua Broncos), Marika Koroibete (Wests Tigers), Apisai Koroisau (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Millard (Catalans Dragons), Ryan Millard (Burwood United), Kevin Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), Waisale Naiqama (Penrith Panthers), Alipate Noilea (Collegians Illawarra), Tikiko Noke (Lautoka Crushers), Vitale Junior (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ashton Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Newcastle Knights), Tariq Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), James Storer (Collegians Illawarra), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern Queensland), Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights), Eloni Tui Michael Vunakece (Wyong Roos), Sisa Ledua (Melbourne Storm), Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu (Parramatta Eels) Head coach: Rick Stone
Froggo
Guest
Surely the unanswered question is how many are locally born and bred and where do they currently play. You think that might be an important point. Why the secrecy???Every other country had where they play??
Johnno
Guest
This RLWC is gonna be best ever. The minnows are really picking up. So much English super league/NRL experience. And NSW/QLD cup to, which has also realy stepped up in standard. Before Fiji squad had alot of players playing country group footy in Australia. Now almost zero, most are all ESL/NRL NSW/QLD cup standard, so Tier 2's gonna be much better this time, around I reckon a few upsets maybe for the big 3, or at least a few scares.
Matt_S
Guest
They have attracted some big crowds recently for their last two preparation games in Fiji. The coverage & sponsorship of Fijian rugby league is on the up.
Joel
Guest
Millard should be the starting 6! Gun player, watch him carve up!