October 4, 2009
FNRL names best side for 2009 Pacific Cup as Battle of the Bati locked in as an annual event by AFRL and FNRL board – story courtesy Fiji Sun.

he Fiji National Rugby League yesterday named the best side to represent the country in the Pacific Cup.

The selectors picked a total of 22 players in which ten are making their return from the World Cup team.

These players were picked after the two trials on Wednesday and yesterday between the local players and the Australian Fijians.

While naming the best side for the Pacific Cup in Papua New Guinea, FNRL board has also come to an agreement to have the battle of the Bati as an annual tournament next year. The plan is to bring in all Fijians in Australia, New Zealand, UK and the locals to form a team each for the tournament.

This plan has come about with the aim that the Vodafone Fiji Bati will make it to the four nations tournament next year.

Speaking to Sunsports yesterday, FNRL Chairman Peni Musunamasi said they had plans to have the tournament around October to help them in their selection for any upcoming match.

“We are all looking at the four nations and this will surely boost the Fiji Bati for future games.”

Musunamasi said they had their board meeting yesterday with their selectors from NZ, Steve Smith and Australia’s Terry Gilogley and Shane Millard. “It has been confirmed that we would have a joint competition with the other three countries.”

Musunamasi added if any changes would come up it would be decided in another meeting in January 2010.

“This is when we will finalise the dates of the tournament but it will be a big one for rugby league.”

Yesterday Musunamasi thanked the Aussie Fijians officials for the effort they put in to bring the visiting side to help in the selection of the best available players for the Pacific Cup.

“We also thank our sponsors Vodafone and Air Pacific for their help and we hope to make this tournament bigger and better next year.”

Although they are still looking for a tournament sponsor, FNRL is hoping to get all league players together in this tournament.

The team for the Pacific Cup are: Osea Sadrau, Iowane Divavesi, Puna Rasaubale, Donas Gock, Tevita Vatuwai, Hamilton Hughes, Sitiveni Ralogaivau, Lepani Waqa, Sevanaia Koroi, Alipate Tani, Ryan Millard, Wes Naiqama, Meli Koliniavu, Mike Ratu, Akuila Uate, Jo Ravueta, Jone Macilai, Kevin Naiqama, Jone Wesele, Kaliova Tani. Non travelling: Jovilisi Tawake and Asaeli Saravaki.