Kangaroos, Bati and Kumuls to warm up for World Cup in Fiji

Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea will warm up for the end-of-season Rugby League World Cup by playing each other in an historic tri-contest in Suva on October 14.

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In a major boost to the game in Fiji, the Kangaroos, Bati and Kumuls will face each other in a series of 40 minute matches played back to back.

It will be the first time Australia has played in Fiji and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will use the visit to the Pacific nation as camp for his squad ahead of their first World Cup match against England in Melbourne on October 27.

“Not only will this contest be good for the Kangaroos’ preparation for the World Cup, it will be wonderful for international Rugby League.”

“I love the concept of three teams playing on the same stage. It will be a great exhibition for our game.”

Fiji, whose selection pool for the World Cup includes up to 25 players currently in the NRL headed by Jarryd Hayne, Suliasi Vunivalu, Kevin Naiqama and Tariq Sims, will face PNG before Australia takes on the Kumuls and then the Bati..

“It will be a great showpiece. It can only be a good thing for the game in Fiji for the locals to see the Australian team playing against two different nations, including their own," Fiji coach Mick Potter said.

“The people of Fiji will appreciate having all the names associated with this Kangaroos team at their stadium, as well as the best players in Fiji and PNG. To have that calibre of player on show will be phenomenal for the game.”

PNG coach Michael Marum said the tri-contest would be the ideal World Cup preparation for the Kumuls, who host three pool matches in Port Moresby against Wales on October 28, Ireland on November 5 and USA on November 12.

“It’s the first time this has ever happened so it will be a good experience for all of us," Marum said.

“We’ll take a lot out of playing 40 minutes of football against each of those teams, and we’re looking forward to doing some community work alongside Fiji as they work to make rugby league even stronger over there.”

NRL head of football Brian Canavan said the tri-contest would be a boost for the development of the game in Fiji, while also benefiting the World Cup build up of the three nations..

“This is a wonderful initiative and will be an historic day for Fiji, who will be hosting not one but two nations,” Canavan said. “Fiji will get to see some of the best players in the world.

“Clearly the other important aspect will be that each contest will provide a strong preparation for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.”

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017