It has been 22 years since the Fiji Bati last played in the Rugby League World 9s.

The last time the Bati featured in the World 9s was in 1997 in Townsville, Australia according to the Fiji National Rugby League where they won the Plate final.

The coaching staff of that 1997 team have all passed on including the late FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi who was the manager, Coach the late Etuate Waqa and Assistant Coach and player, the late Luca Goneyali

That team included the likes of Matereti Naqau, Paula Baravilala, Inoke Ratudina, Kalaveti Naisoro, Ilaitia Takaladau, Meli Kaidrokia, Stan Tulevu, Samuela Marayawa, Seka Sovatabua and Saimoni Camaitoga.

Most of the Fiji Bati squad from 1997 are based in Australia now and will be attending the Downer World Cup 9s this weekend.

The Bati will play Samoa tomorrow at 9:10pm in its first pool match.

They will then play Tonga at 2:10pm on Saturday followed by Cook Islands at 5pm.

You can watch all the World 9s action LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on FBC Sports.

[Source:FNRL]