Bati yet to appoint manager

ZANZEER SINGH
Sunday, January 06, 2008

THE Fiji National Rugby League will appoint two new board members at its annual general meeting in Suva on January 19.

The Vodafone FNRL has seven board members who serve on a voluntary basis.

FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said the performance of the board members will be scrutinised before new appointments are made.

He said two current board members will be replaced. Meanwhile the FNRL will advertise the position of the Fiji Bati team manager for the 2008 season after its annual general meeting.

According to Musunamasi, locals will be given a chance to manage the national side.

"We are looking at a local team manager," Musunamasi said.

"They will have to apply for the position. The team managers for the various clubs in the local competition will get a chance to go up and take the challenge at the next level."

Nadi's Rusiate Ratakele managed the Vodafone Fiji Bati last year.

Ratakele has indicated that he will reapply for the post once it is advertised.

Meanwhile the off season training for the Fiji Bati elite members continues.

In the 2008 RLWC Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B.

The Fiji Bati face France on November 1 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Its second pool match against Scotland will be played at the Bluetongue Stadium in Central Coast on November 5.

If Fiji tops then it will go start to the semi final qualifier against the top team from Pool Three which includes Tonga, Samoa and Ireland.

The winner from this match will proceed to the semi final.

Australia, New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea are in Pool One

The FNRL will offer $1000 bonus each to the Bati players for every win in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

This incentive is part of the new $300,000 proposal forwarded by the FNRL to the Ministry of Sports to fund its RLWC campaign.

The ministry is expected to give a answer soon to FNRL.

All players will receive a basic allowance of round $67 ($A50) during their stay in Australia.

Tadulala looks to make ammends

Sunday, January 06, 2008

FIJIAN flier Semi Tadulala is desperate to continue his comeback with a second match in six days as he looks to make up for lost time.

The 29-year-old Tadulala, one of Bradford's six new signings for Super League XIII, ended a nine-month lay-off with a broken arm in the Bulls' 30-16 win at Dewsbury on Sunday and, after badgering coach Steve McNamara, will also play against his old club Wakefield in today's pre-season friendly at Belle Vue.

"I told my coach the more games I play the better I'll get so he agreed to play me against Dewsbury and Wakefield," explained Tadulala.

"There are three of us fighting for two spots and I need as much game time under my belt as I can get. It felt really great at Dewsbury, I enjoyed being back doing my job, especially after nine months out, and I am looking forward to it."

Tadulala, who still lives in Wakefield, rejected the offer of a two-year contract from Bradford in favour of a 12-month deal but sees his long-term future at Odsal.

Wakefield coach John Kear admits he was disappointed to lose the services the former Melbourne Storm three-quarter.

"He had four great years here and I think the world of him," said Kear.

"I would love to have kept him but unfortunately he wanted a different challenge.

"I wish him all the best and hope he has a great season - except when he plays against us."

He is expected to be named in the Bati for the World Cup.

Koroi chases NRL dream

RODNEY DUTHIE
Monday, January 07, 2008

FROM local competitions to the superdome of rugby league, Fiji Bati Sevanaia Koroi will rub shoulders with some of the game's greatest players.

The Nadera Panthers centre is in Australia attending a trial run with the National Rugby League heavyweights, the West Tigers.

The villager Burenitu, in Ra, marches into the Tigers camp today and will be joined by fellow Bati Tomujani Koroi.

"I am really happy with this opportunity I have been given by the Tigers. I will give 100 per cent and hopefully gain an NRL contract. I can't explain how excited I am," Sevanaia said.

The Fiji Bati regular, who is the cousin of Fiji 7s rugby squad member Neumi Nanuku, received the call from the Tigers after starring for the Bati in the recent international against Tonga, impressing many with his stellar performance.

His agent, Phil Browne said Sevanaia showed the Tongan team, which featured numerous NRL stars, that he could match it with the best.

"The West Tigers got hold of this news and offered Sevanaia and Tomujani Koroi trials with the NRL club," Browne said.

"It was an amazing year for Seva in 2007.

"He just recently signed a three-year sponsorship deal with leading compression garment manufacturers, Skins.

"Not long after, the West Tigers offered a trial.

"I think 2008 will be an even better year for Seva, especially with the Rugby League World Cup in October."

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Peni Musunamasi said Sevanaia left the country on Saturday after playing against the Fiji 7s team on Friday.

Musunamasi said Sevanaia was a dedicated player who had risen to the top level since joining the sport in late 2005.

"He was a rugby union player and represented Ra.

He only joined league about two years ago," Musunamasi said.

"He is a very dedicated player and shows a lot of sacrifice. He was selected into the Fiji Bati side in 2006 and played in the World Cup qualifiers."

If successful in signing a contract with the Tigers, Sevanaia will gain automatic qualification into the Fiji Bati side for the World Cup.

Other NRLplayers who will play for the Bati are Wes Naiqama, Ashton Sims, John Sutton, Akuila Wati and Daryl Millard. Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B.

The Bati face France on November 1 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Its second pool match against Scotland will be played at the Bluetongue Stadium in the Central Coast on November 5.

State grant to kick-off Bati camp

Koroi eyes Tigers stripes

RODNEY DUTHIE
Friday, January 18, 2008

FIJI Bati centre Sevanaia Koroi (pictured) continues to train with National Rugby League club the Wests Tigers in Australia in a bid to secure a contract with the Sydney side.

The Burenitu villager from Ra, completed his second week of pre-season training and loved every moment of it.

The Nadera Panthers club player said whether it was running up the sand dunes, pumping weights in the gym or doing sprints, he was "savouring every minute".

"Last Saturday we were running up the sand dunes at 7am but I didn't mind at all," Koroi said.

"This is such a great experience for me. I'm enjoying the training and I can't wait for my first game with the club."

Koroi will feature for the Wests Tigers feeder club, the Wests Magpies in four weeks time for the club's first trial match.

The Wests Tigers are coached by Tim Sheens, who recruited Nadroga's Noa Nadruku to the Canberra Raiders.

"I am really happy with this opportunity I have been given by the Tigers. I will give 100 per cent and hopefully gain an NRL contract.

"I can't explain how excited I am," Koroi said

Koroi was recommended to the Wests Tigers by former Fiji Bati coach, Arthur Kitinas.

The Fiji Bati regular, who is the cousin of Fiji 7s rugby union squad member Neumi Nanuku, received the call from the Tigers after starring for the Bati in the recent international against Tonga and impressed many with his stellar performance.

Koroi's agent Phill Browne said, "The Wests officials are pleased with the way Seva is going at the moment. Seva has settled in really well."

Koroi is also chasing for a place in the Fiji Bati team to the Rugby League World Cup in Australia later this year.

FNRL introduces Bati series

MANOJ KUMAR
Monday, February 11, 2008

THE Fiji National Rugby League decided on Saturday to introduce a Battle of the Bati series involving the elite rugby league players.

This will be used as selection ground for a resident side to compliment the finest from abroad in the lead-up to the World Cup in Australia later this year.

The FNRL season gets underway next week with the secondary schools competition.

The Vodafone Club Championship has been moved to March 15-16 with 10 teams already confirming participation. FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said there was likelihood that more teams would join the VCC.

He said registration fees of $2000 covered uniforms and minimal administrative costs.

Vodafone, he said, could take care of transport costs for teams.Kooga is the jersey supplier for the VCC.

Musunamasi said with the World Cup around the corner, he anticpated a healthy and competitive VCC.

Fiji Bati coach Jo Rabele has been given the greenlight to travel to Australia later this year to hold fitness tests with the elite players from abroad.

Several NRL players and England-based Semi Tadulala have been bracketed to make the final cut for the World Cup. Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B.

The Bati faces France on November 1 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong. The second pool match is against Scotland at the Bluetongue Stadium in Central Coast on November 5.

If Fiji tops, then it will go start to the semi-final qualifier against the top team from Pool Three which includes Tonga, Samoa and Ireland.

The winner from this match will proceed to the semi-final stages.

Australia, New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea are in Pool One

Fijians win Down Under

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

THE Australian Fijian Rugby League side won the trophy final at the Cabramatta 9s tournament in Sydney over the weekend after beating Mounties.

The side, which had the services of Fijian star Wes Naiqama, beat Mounties 26-6.

The tournament consisted of 16 teams, comprising of 4 pools. There were a number of club sides from the NSW Premier League and Jim Beam Cup competitions such as the Balmain Tigers, Wests Magpies, Cabramatta and Mounties as well as International sides such as the Cook Islands, Portugal, American Samoa and Japan.

The Tigers beat the Cook Islands in the cup final.

Fiji Bati reps Sevanaia Koroi and Tomujani Koroi featured for the Wests Magpies.

The Australian Fijians got off to a slow start against the Shellharbour Marlins in there first outing. The Marlins won 14-4 in wet conditions.

The Arthur Kinitas-coached side returned to beat American Samoa 10-4, Portugal 18-10 and the Australian Indigenous 18-10 to book a place in the trophy final.

An 80-metre try by Nacanieli Kinikini in the final got the crowd to their feet as Naiqama put in a try saving tackle.

The Australian Fijians are now preparing for the Valley 8s on February 23. The side was previous winners of this tournament in 2005.

Meanwhile, the Australian Fijians recently had there 2007 presentation night.

Prize winners included Peter Delaivuna, Livai Wara, Hamilton Hughes and Nacanieli Kinikini.

The Petero Civoniceva medal, which is awarded to the most outstanding player of Fijian heritage, went to Jarryd Hayne of the Parramatta Eels.

Newcastle Knights Akuila Uate won the James Pickering rising star award with Eloni Vunakece taking home the Noa Nadruku medal for outstanding contributions.

The Australian Fijians: Billy Baleilomaloma, Nacanieli Kinikini, Danny Kaloudonu. Gilbert Modrau, Wes Naiqama, Puna Rasaubale, Pio Rokomaqisa, Joseph Swamy, Etuate Tavai, Rodney Tagivetaua, Eloni Vunakece, Esala Vute, Lepani Waqa, Samu Wara. Coach: Arthur Kitinas, Manager: Phill Browne, Trainers: Anthony Rule and Jed Stewart.

FNRL: Play rugby union at 'own risk'

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

THE Fiji National Rugby League has warned elite players injured while playing at rugby union tournaments will be dropped.

This comes after it was brought to FNRL board's attention that some Bati reps were injured after playing in union sevens tournaments.

As a result, the players failed to attend a fitness test in Suva two weeks ago.

The elite players are part of the local training squad preparing for the World Cup in Australia in October. FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said he did not want to stop players from appearing in the 15s code.

"But if they are injured, then they face the possibility of being dropped from the local training squad for the World Cup," Musunamasi said.

"We will go case by case and see the extent of each situation.

"We don't want to put too many rules that stop players from playing."

The FNRL has 43 local elite players who are on a strict training program.

The players are randomly tested to see that they follow the plans laid down by fitness experts.

While there is no specific rule stopping players from migrating between codes, Musunamasi said the FNRL was forking a lot of the expenses in trying to keep players in shape.

Meanwhile, the FNRL board will write to Newcastle Knights winger Wes Naiqama's manager requesting the release of the Fijian star for the World Cup.

Musunamasi said Naiqama had "verbally" confirmed his interest in playing for Fiji.

"We will write to his manager requesting a formal release."

Naiqama joins other National Rugby League players Aston Sims, John Sutton, Akuila Wati and Daryl Millard as automatic inclusions.

Overseas-based players playing in the lower competitions will attend a trial with the 30 local players on September 2.

The final 24 players will be named on October 8.

In the 2008 RLWC, Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B.

The Fiji Bati faces France on November 1 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

The second pool match against Scotland will be played at the Bluetongue Stadium in Central Coast on November 5.

Hunt on for sponsors

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

THE Fiji National Rugby League is looking for business houses to sponsor five clubs in the Vodafone Cup competition.

Five of the ten clubs do not have a sponsor with the competition set to kick off in five weeks time.

FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said if these clubs were unable to find sponsorship worth $2000 then their players will lose a chance to vie for the Rugby League World Cup.

Musunamasi said the registration of $2000 must be paid so that they could arrange for the jumpers immediately.

He said the Vodafone Cup was scheduled to kick off on March 22. "There are five clubs without sponsors," Musunamasi said.

"These clubs will need to secure sponsors so that they could participate in the Vodafone Cup."

The teams without a sponsor include Nadi Eels, Sabeto Roosters, Saru Dragons, City Storm and Korovou Raiders.

The clubs which have already secured sponsorship include Nadera Panthers, Lautoka Crushers, Namatakula Cowboys, Nabua Broncos and Nausori Bulldogs.

Musunamasi said a new team from Raiwaqa has shown interest in joining the national competition.

He said Raiwaqa's inclusion will depend on securing sponsorship for the season. "At the moment we are targeting a ten team competition for the Vodafone Cup," Musunamasi said.

The Panthers will defend the national competition. The Vodafone Cup will serve as selection ground for local players wanting to represent Fiji Bati at the RLWC in Australia.

Fiji is pooled with Scotland and France.