The Vodafone Fiji Bati have the potential to follow the lead of Tonga and emerge as another major threat to the traditional rugby league powerhouses.

This was revealed by Bati coach Brandon Costin, who watched his side defeat Samoa 44-18 in Auckland last Saturday.

The Bati now have the opportunity to lift the Oceania Shield if they defeat Papua New Guinea in their final pool B clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

The triumph would also clinch promotion into the Oceania Cup next year, which will result in Tests against New Zealand and Tonga in pool A.

The Kangaroos won’t participate because of their tour to Europe.

Victory for the Bati over the Kumuls would complete a historic year for rugby league for Fiji, which began with a 58-14 belting of Lebanon earlier this year.

The Bati will take on PNG Kumuls at 4.20pm on Saturday at Christchurch in New Zealand.