October 23, 2009
Australian Fijians to unite behind Fiji Bati in Pacific Cup opener against the Cook Islands.

The AFRL is calling on all Fijians in Australia and abroad to cheer on the Vodafone Fiji Bati as they take on the Cook Islands in their Pacific Cup match to be shown on www.nrl.com on Sat Oct 24 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

AFRL Chairman James Pickering has urged all Fijians to tune in to the NRL website at 4pm tomorrow afternoon to cheer on our national team.

“On behalf of the AFRL and the Fijian community we wish them all the best for the game tomorrow. Our thoughts will be with them and extra thoughts with the Australian based players making their debuts for Fiji tomorrow.”

There is no better example of this then rookie Fiji Bati fullback Kevin Naiqama yesterday admitted being 'a bit nervous' ahead of his international debut tomorrow.

But the 20-year-old says it is nothing major and he will overcome the nervousness.

"The butterflies will be all out once I touch the first ball," he said.

Kevin takes over from league superstar Jarryd Hayne, who was with the Bati fullback during the world cup last year and is now with the Australian Kangaroos for the Four Nations.

"I'm not really thinking about filling Jarryd Hayne's boots. I will play my own game and I'm just looking forward to the game," he said.

"Playing beside my elder brother Wes makes the debut even sweeter."

He said the Bati respected Cook Islands and would not be taking the semi-final opponents lightly.

"We've done our homework and everyone is focused and ready to put the foot down. We got hold of the footage of their game against Samoa and have a game plan.

"The Cooks have a free flowing game but there is no major structure in their game. They can be dangerous at times when they spin the ball so it should be a good game," Kevin said.

Fiji Bati to face Cook Islands: 1 Kevin Naiqama, 2 Akuila Uate, 3 Mike Ratu, 4 Jone Macilai, 5 Joe Ravueta, 7 Ryan Millard, 8 Osea Sadrau, 9 Hamilton Hughes, 10 Iowane Divavesi, 11 Sitiveni Ralogaivalu, 12 Lepani Waqa, 13 Jone Wesele, 14 Alipate Tani, 15 Donas Gock, 16 Sevanaia Koroi, 17 Puna Rasaubale.