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Bati eye three Tests, hopeful for more
Amit Raj
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
THE Fiji National Rugby League has confirmed three tests for the Fiji Bati next year.
First up for the Jo Rabele-coached Bati side will be two home tests against Papua New Guinea Kumuls in June followed by a trip to Samoa.
FNRL patron Rajesh Singh said further tests against New Zealand and England in October were being eyed prior to the Four Nations Series.
"We've had two meetings with officials of New Zealand Rugby League," Singh said.
"They have a board meeting in February after which we will know the outcome.
"Also we will be writing to England's Rugby Football League.
"New Zealand and England will need warm-up matches prior to the Four Nations Series and we're interested to play them. If they agree then we will have two more test matches next year," he said.
Singh said the Junior Fiji Bati was also set to tour Australia next year during the first term school holidays.
"This tour will be a defining moment for many of our secondary school students as scholarships are on offer to join a Sydney secondary school famous for its rugby league development program," he said.
Singh said Matraville Sports High School provided students/athletes with an opportunity to further their interest in sports and academic work.
"The Matraville Sports High school's rugby league program is one of the strongest in Australia. The school's open grade rugby league team has been to the grand final of the national schoolboys competition for the last three years. The school has also produced a lot of first grade and Under 20 players for a number of NRL clubs.
"Matraville Sports High School has expressed interest in providing elite Fijian rugby league players with scholarships to help further their education and develop their rugby league talent," he said.
Singh said the 2010 secondary schools competition would be launched next month by International Rugby League chairman Collin Love, who would be donating a trophy as well.
"We will be very happy to see at least five players getting the scholarship every year," he said.
"We will write to the government as well seeking their help in sending more young players across. I feel the government is in a stronger position to offer assistance from its youth sports scholarship budget.
"The students have a chance to excel and earn themselves NRL contracts. This move will also help FNRL to build a Fiji Bati player base for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup," he said.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=136415
Amit Raj
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
THE Fiji National Rugby League has confirmed three tests for the Fiji Bati next year.
First up for the Jo Rabele-coached Bati side will be two home tests against Papua New Guinea Kumuls in June followed by a trip to Samoa.
FNRL patron Rajesh Singh said further tests against New Zealand and England in October were being eyed prior to the Four Nations Series.
"We've had two meetings with officials of New Zealand Rugby League," Singh said.
"They have a board meeting in February after which we will know the outcome.
"Also we will be writing to England's Rugby Football League.
"New Zealand and England will need warm-up matches prior to the Four Nations Series and we're interested to play them. If they agree then we will have two more test matches next year," he said.
Singh said the Junior Fiji Bati was also set to tour Australia next year during the first term school holidays.
"This tour will be a defining moment for many of our secondary school students as scholarships are on offer to join a Sydney secondary school famous for its rugby league development program," he said.
Singh said Matraville Sports High School provided students/athletes with an opportunity to further their interest in sports and academic work.
"The Matraville Sports High school's rugby league program is one of the strongest in Australia. The school's open grade rugby league team has been to the grand final of the national schoolboys competition for the last three years. The school has also produced a lot of first grade and Under 20 players for a number of NRL clubs.
"Matraville Sports High School has expressed interest in providing elite Fijian rugby league players with scholarships to help further their education and develop their rugby league talent," he said.
Singh said the 2010 secondary schools competition would be launched next month by International Rugby League chairman Collin Love, who would be donating a trophy as well.
"We will be very happy to see at least five players getting the scholarship every year," he said.
"We will write to the government as well seeking their help in sending more young players across. I feel the government is in a stronger position to offer assistance from its youth sports scholarship budget.
"The students have a chance to excel and earn themselves NRL contracts. This move will also help FNRL to build a Fiji Bati player base for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup," he said.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=136415
