Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata says the team is blessed to have NRL great John Sutton on their side as assistant coach for the Pacific Bowl Championship.

Papua New Guinea knows they will be going up against a determined Fiji Bati side when they face them this weekend in their opening match for the Pacific Bowl Championship.

Mal Meninga insists Xavier Coates is just as passionate about the Australian jersey as his Papua New Guinean heritage ahead of the winger’s Kangaroos debut.

Fiji Bati Assistant Coach and former South Sydney Rabbitohs lock John Sutton says he is grateful to head coach Wise Kativerata for the opportunity to guide the team.

Vodafone Fiji Bati Captain Tui Kamikamica says the team will focus on each of their two upcoming games individually ensuring steady progress without rushing.

Ronald Philitoga’s call-up to the Fiji Bati squad for the Pacific Bowl Championship is significant one, having returned to his homeland after 12 years.

Former NRL player and Vodafone Fiji Bati mentor for the Pacific Bowl Championship Jarryd Hayne says it’s been a long time coming for players with Fijian heritage to return and play in front of their fans and families at home.

Peta Hiku is at risk of being banned for New Zealand’s entire Pacific Championships campaign over a bizarre charge from the Super League grand final.

The Jennings family is making waves in both football and rugby league for Fiji.

Members of the Fiji Bati side, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga were part of the welcome ceremony for the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

The Vodafone Fiji Bati side will be looking to avenge its 32-12 loss against Papua New Guinea in last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship final when they face the Kumuls in their opening match this weekend.

The Fiji Bati squad had its first training session at Albert Park in Suva this morning and captain Tui Kamikamica says the boys are excited for the Pacific Bowl Championship this weekend.