RUGBY LEAGUE, PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP, FIJI BATI v COOK ISLANDS AITU, PLUS, FIJI BULIKULA v COOK ISLANDS MOANA

2024 SATURDAY , OCTOBER 26th HFC STADIUM SUVA, FIJI

Kangaroos Aim for Redemption in Pacific Cup Final

The Kangaroos have the opportunity to secure a spot in the Pacific Cup final next Sunday by avenging their loss to New Zealand from last year, while Fetu Samoa are just one win away from qualifying for the World Cup.

Key Takeaways from the Opening Round

These were the key takeaways from the opening round of the Pacific Championships, where the Kangaroos shut out Tonga 18-0, the Jillaroos crushed the PNG Orchids in a record-breaking 84-0 victory, the Kumuls overpowered Fiji Bati, and Fetu Samoa triumphed over Tonga.

Fiji Team.

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Semi Valemei , 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Kurt Donoghoe 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. James Valevatu 10. Ben Nakubuwai, 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Taane Milne 13. Caleb Navale 14. Penioni Tagituimua 15. Kitione Kautoga, 16. Kylan Mafoa 17. Jordan Miller

Cook Islands Team.

1. Esom Ioka 2. Steven Marsters 3. Reubenn Rennie 4. Delahia Wigmore, 5. Rixson Andrew 6. Brad Takairangi 7. Esan Marsters 8. Tepai Moeroa 9. Rua Ngatikaura , 10. Davvy Moale 11. Zane Tetevano 12. Reuben Porter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. Kobe Tararo , 15. Mason Teague 17. Justin Makirere 18. Junior Taroi

Fiji Faces Tough Challenge Against Cook Islands

Fiji were thoroughly outplayed by Papua New Guinea last week and now face a tough challenge against one of the strongest Cook Islands sides assembled.

Fiji’s Disastrous Performance

Fiji’s performance last week was nothing short of disgraceful. Opting for a hit-out against the Tongan women’s team instead of proper preparation has clearly backfired.

Scoreline Doesn’t Reflect the Dominance

The final score didn’t do justice to how thoroughly the Bati were dominated. Viliame Kikau had arguably his worst performance, while the kicking game was atrocious, with the Donoghue/Naiqama combination failing to produce anything effective. Even seasoned players like Maika Sivo looked completely lost.

Ongoing Issues for Fiji

Despite naming a far more experienced and recognizable lineup, featuring Kikau, Sivo, Tui Kamikamica, Michael Jennings, and Sunia Turuva, Fiji’s issues from last week persist—compounded by the ongoing coaching debacle.

Controversial Coaching Decisions

The Bati are sticking with local coach Wise Kativerata, who has controversially brought in Jarryd Hayne as a coaching assistant. Despite Hayne’s lack of professional coaching experience and a 2-3 record as head coach, the decision has raised eyebrows.

Minor Changes in Fiji’s Line up

Surprisingly, only minor changes have been made to the lineup, with James Valevatu starting and Joe Lovodua dropped.

Fiji’s Struggles Against Tier 1 Nations

Since 2022, Fiji has struggled against Tier 1 nations and Papua New Guinea, holding a 1-5 record. Their only recent encounter with the Cook Islands, in last year’s tournament, resulted in a narrow 22-18 win for the Bati.

Cook Islands Under Strong Leadership

The Cook Islands will be led by coach Karmichael Hunt, who has had a solid run with Souths Logan, compiling a 23-17-2 record, including a second-place finish in 2023.

A Strong Cook Islands Squad

Hunt has assembled a strong squad featuring current NRL players Davvy Moale, Tepai Moeroa, Reuben Porter, and Mason Teague, along with former NRL talents such as Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, and the Marsters brothers. The team also boasts some quality players from sub-elite competitions, including Queensland Cup standouts Esom Ioka and Pride Petterson-Robati, Norths hooker Rua Ngaitkaura, and Toulouse centre Reubenn Rennie.

Cook Islands Set for a Historic Matchup

This is arguably the strongest Cook Islands team ever, and their record against Fiji is impressive, with the Bati holding only a narrow 6-5-1 advantage. In their last two meetings since 2009, the Cook Islands stunned Fiji in 2008 and came close to pulling off another upset last year.

Cook Islands: A Tempting Underdog

With a 15.5-point start, the Cook Islands are a tempting underdog. While Fiji should win and are the favorites, the Cook Islands could make the contest much closer than expected, making them a good bet with the points start.

Women’s Matchup: Fiji Bulikula vs. Cook Islands Moana

Fiji Bulikula vs Cook Islands Moana at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 4:00pm AEDT

Meanwhile the Women’s Teams are,

Fiji Team.

1. Cassie Staples 4. Vitalina Naikore 3. Sienna Laing 6. Taina Naividi 19. Abigayle Sekitoga 17. Luisa Yaranamua 5. Losana Lutu 15. Aliti Namoce 9. Sereana Naitokatoka 2. Ilisapeci Bari, 11. Nanise Vakacavu 12. Latisha Smythe 18. Talei Holmes 13. Teaghan Hartigan , 14. Anastacia Shum-Cottrell 20. Mere Kilawekana 21. Ema Rainima 10. Asenaca Diranuve

Cook Islands Team.

1. Kiana Takairangi 2. Chantelle Holloway-Samuels, 3. Chazmin Holloway-samuels 4. Kaiyah Atai 5. Kiarah Siauane 6. Charntay Poko, 7. Lydia Turua-quedley 8. Crystal Tamarua 9. Chelsea Makira 10. April Ngatupuna, 11. Jazmon Tupou-witchman 12. Kerehitina Matua 13. Anneka Stephens 14. Jodeci Joseph, 15. Lavinia Kitai 16. Elianna Walton 20. Tyler Birch 19. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 17. Wanita Leatherby, 18. Tahleisha Maeva

SUNDAY GAME KIWI VS AUS