Caption: Overseas based Fijian players at the Vodafone Headquarters in Tamavua.Photo: SUPPLIED VODAFONE MEDIA
By ASHTOSH SINGH
MEDIA RELEASE
Overseas based Rugby League Players vying for a place in the Vodafone Bati World Cup squad arrived into the country ahead of the much anticipated Vodafone Battle of the Bati match this Thursday at ANZ stadium.
Vodafone Fiji held the welcoming media conference for the Overseas Fijian players at the Vodafone Headquarters in Tamavua followed by a welcome dinner at Novotel Lami with the Fiji Residents side.
Three senior players that featured in the Vodafone Fiji Bati World Cup squad in 2008; Aaron Groom, Alipate Tani and Ilisoni Vono are also in the country to represent Overseas Fijian in the Battle of the Bati match. The match will decide the players that make the cut to represent Vodafone Fiji Bati team at the Rugby League World Cup in England and Wales this October.
Aaron Groom, Captain of Overseas Fijians team said that “rugby league has come a long way since its initiation in Fiji Sports”. He acknowledged Vodafone Fiji for up supporting Rugby League in Fiji during his short speech at a press conference held at the Vodafone Head Office. “The stakes are high. This is the final frontier and the last chance to make it into the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad to the World Cup. We are well prepared and ready for the Battle on Thursday” said Groom.
Mr. Sanjeewa Perera, Chief Marketing Officer said that “Vodafone is proud to take Fiji Bati to the International arena and fly high the Fijian Flag”. The Vodafone Fiji Bati team will see some of the prominent leagues players currently playing in the Australian and New Zealand NRL conference including Marika Koroibete, Petero Civoniceva, Akuila Uate, Jason Bukuya, Semi Radraradra, Daryl Millard, Wes Naiqama, Kevin Naiqama, Tariq Sims and Ashton Sims.
The Battle of the Bati kicks off at 7pm this Thursday at the ANZ Stadium after which the official Vodafone Fiji Bati Team players will be named. The admission to the Grandstand is $10 and embankment is free.
Meanwhile, Rugby League World Cup 2013 starts from the 26th October to 30th November with fourteen teams contesting the tournament. Vodafone Fiji Bati’s first match kicks-off at 8pm, Oct 28th (Monday) against Ireland at the Spotland Stadium, Rochdale, England.