SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th, 2024. HFC BANK STADIUM, SUVA , 7.10pm
A Showdown in Suva: Bati vs Kumuls
Arguably, the most exciting match of the opening weekend will unfold in Suva, where the Bati face off against Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls, with the underdogs presenting a strong betting option.
I’m backing PNG with a 6.5-point head start. While Fiji are the favorites, it’s important not to underestimate the Kumuls.
This match feels like a contest between a group of stars and a cohesive team, and I’m more than happy to side with the team in this case.
Star-Studded Fiji Squad Faces Key Concerns
Fiji have undoubtedly named a much more experienced and high-profile squad, featuring stars like Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo, Tui Kamikamica, Michael Jennings, and Sunia Turuva. However, there are question marks across the board, from coaching decisions to the spine and recent form.
The Bati are under the guidance of local coach Wise Kativerata, who made the controversial choice to bring in Jarryd Hayne as an assistant. Kativerata’s coaching record stands at 2-2, but his most recent outing was a disappointing 32-12 defeat to the Kumuls.
While Turuva is a solid pick at fullback, Kevin Naiqama is well past his prime and was never suited to playing in the halves. Kurt Donoghue lacks the playmaking ability needed, and Penioni Tagituimua remains a fringe player in the NSW Cup.
Fiji’s Struggles Against Tier 1 Nations Continue
Since 2022, Fiji have struggled, going 1-5 against Tier 1 nations and Papua New Guinea.
PNG’s Cohesion and Depth Shine Through
In contrast, the Kumuls are set up for greater success under head coach Jason Demetriou, boasting a more consistent lineup. Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt form a dependable halves pairing, the outside backs are formidable, and Jack De Belin and Rhyse Martin anchor a powerful forward pack. Judah Rimbu steps in at hooker, replacing the injured Edwin Ipape.
PNG not only have a stronger pack and bench but also a reliable halves combination and a backline capable of matching Fiji’s star players.
Fiji.
1. Sunia Turuva 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Kurt Donoghue 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Penioni Tagituimua 10. Ben Nakubuwai, 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Joe Lovodua 15. Taane Milne, 16. Kylan Mafoa 17. Jordan Miller 18. James Valevatu 19. Ronald Philitoga 20. Nathan Kegg-King, 21. Ratu Rinakama
Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe has been named halfback for Fiji, and he’ll partner Kevin Naigama in the halves, who recently announced his retirement from the Super League. Bulldogs star Viliame Kikau makes his return to the international stage, slotting into the second row. Rising Manly talent Caleb Navale will pack down at lock, while prop forward Tui Kamikamica has been named captain of the side. While it’s his preferred position, we don’t see Sunia Turuva play fullback for Penrith, but he’s going to be wearing the No. 1 jersey on Saturday night with Semi Valemei and Maika Sivo the wingers.
Kumuls.
1. Nene Macdonald 2. Elijah Roltinga 3. Robert Mathias 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Robert Derby , 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Valentine Richard 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Jacob Alick-Wiencke , 11. Rhyse Martin 12. Jeremiah Simbiken 13. Jack de Belin 14. Liam Horne 15. Koso Bandi , 16. Sylvester Namo 17. Ila Alu 18. Dan Russell 19. Sanny Wabo 20. Morea Morea
Kumuls Aim to Defend Their Pacific Bowl Title
The Kumuls will be looking to get their Pacific Bowl defence out to a roaring start when they travel to Fiji. Queensland Cup Player of the Year Judah Rimbu delivered a standout performance against the Australian PM’s XIII last week, earning him a starting role at hooker. Jack de Belin leads the four NRL-contracted players in the PNG lineup, while Titans forward Jacob Alick-Wiencke will start at prop. The experienced halves duo of Kyle Laybutt and Lachlan Lam will steer the team, and former Bulldog Rhyse Martin will captain the Kumuls in his 16th Test appearance.
Referee. Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Jon Stone, Bunker, Liam Kennedy
Tonga XIII v Fetu Samoa, 5pm AEDT at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Emmanita Paki makes her international debut at five-eighth, partnering with Eels playmaker Cassey Tohi-Hiku, who shifts from her usual No.6 role to halfback. Exciting young fullback Ana Malupo and centre Kate Fallon also earn their first Test caps. Veteran forward Vanessa Foliaki will co-captain the Tonga side alongside Natasha Penitani, who will make her third Test appearance. After facing off in the NRLW grand final two weeks ago, Rooster Pani Hopoate and Sharks Tegan Dymock join forces with Manilita Takapautolo, Filomina Hanisi, and Foliaki as teammates for Tonga.
Tonga.
1. Ana Malupo 2. Maatuleio Fotu-Moala 3. Litia Fusi 4. Kate Fallon 5. Lavinia Tauhalaliku, 6. Emmanita Paki 7. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 8. Pani Hopoate 9. Jade Fonua 10. Tegan Dymock, 11. Manilita Takapautolo 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Natasha Penitani 14. Tatiana Finau, 15. Filomina Hanisi 16. Danii Perese 17. Paea Uilou 18. Shannon Muru 19. Seli Mailangi , 20. Metanoia Fotu-Moala 21. Claudia Finau
Samoa.
1. Evania Pelita 2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala 3. Lindsay Tui 4. Sarina Masaga 5. Jessica Patea 6. Tavarna Papalii 7. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale 8. Anetta-Claudine Nu’uausala 9. Destiny Brill , 10. Lakiha Clarke 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Christian Pio 13. Sienna Lofipo 14. Jetaya Faifua, 15. Simone Karpani 16. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 17. Evah McEwen 18. Jasmine Fogavini, 19. Makayla Eli 20. Shontelle Stowers
Fetu Samoa Look to Build on Last Year’s Pacific Champs Success
Former Jillaroo Evania Pelite joins Titans teammates Sienna Lofipo, Sarina Masaga, and Laikha Clarke in a strong Fetu Samoa squad aiming to build on their impressive victory over Fiji in last year’s Pacific Championships. Centre Lindsay Tui scored a double in that match, while captain Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala also crossed for a try. Wests Tigers back-rower Christian Pio earns her Test debut after a stellar season, averaging 108 metres per game. Young speedster Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, who played centre for Queensland Under-19s against NSW this year, makes her Test debut on the wing.
Referee. Todd Smith, Touch Judge, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Chris Butler
Prediction.
I will go with Samoa in this one.
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