Kevin Naiqama retains captaincy as Fiji get financial boost for World Cup
Sydney Roosters back Kevin Naiqama will remain as captain of Fiji, who have received a Government grant ahead of this year’s World Cup.
The 33-year-old was first appointed captain of the Bati in 2016 and led them in the 2017 World Cup. Naiqama won three Super League Grand Finals in as many seasons with St Helens between 2020-22. He has won 19 caps for his native Fiji.
Penrith Panthers powerhouse Viliame Kikau has been appointed vice-captain.
The duo are among 15 NRL players in a 30-man squad for their Pacific test against Papua New Guinea on June 25. The test will headline a double-header which also features Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Maika Sivo (Parramatta), Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra) and Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne) are among those included. The squad includes four players from Fiji’s domestic competition.
Players based in the northern hemisphere were not considered for the mid-season test, including Kane Evans, Chris Satae, Korbin Sims and Joe Lovodua.
RLWC2021: How Fiji could line-up at World Cup
Kevin Naiqama to lead Fiji squad to face Papua New Guinea:
Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm)
Vuate Karawalevu (Sydney Roosters)
Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers)
Issac Lumelume (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Iosefo Masi (North Queensland Cowboys)
Taane Milne (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Laitia Moceidreke (North Queensland Cowboys)
Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters)
Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Taniela Sadrugu (North Queensland Cowboys)
Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels)
Penioni Tagituimua (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Sunia Turuva (Penrith Panthers)
Semi Valemei (Canberra Raiders)
Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Mesake Kurititoga (Nadera Panthers)
Lamar Liolevave (Tweed Seagulls)
Netane Masima (West Magpies)
Keylen Miller (Mounties)
Tikiko Noke (Parkes Spacemen)
Waqasaqa Qiolevu (Yasawa Saints)
Nasoki Ralulu (Bomballa Blue Heelers)
Joseva Rasiga (Parkes Spacemen)
Joseph Ratu (Tweed Seagulls)
Ethan Robinson
Pio Seci (Avignon)
Pio Sokobalavu (Mounties)
Maika Tudravu (Sarina Crocs)
Marika Turagaiviu (USP Raiders),
Ratu Inoke Vasuturaga (Kinoya Eagles)
Fiji receive financial boost for World Cup
The Fiji National Rugby League has received a $500k Government grant from the Fiji National Rugby League to help with the Bati’s preparation for this year’s World Cup.
Fiji National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey said: “The sports commission is very pleased today to announce the funding that its giving to the preparation and the participation of the Vodafone Fiji Bati in the Rugby League World Cup this year.”
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