LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a thrilling Pacific Championships clash, Fiji Bati secured a 22-18 victory over the Cook Islands thanks to a late try by Sunia Turuva.
Despite being down 18-16 with only six minutes remaining, Turuva showcased his skills and evaded Cook Island defenders to secure the win for his side.
The Santos National Football Stadium witnessed an upset in the making, as Esan Marsters displayed an exceptional performance in attack for the Cook Islands.
However, the star-studded Fiji team, boasting NRL players Maika Sivo, Jahream Bula, Waqa Blake, and Turuva, proved too strong in the end.
The Cook Islands initially had the upper hand in the match, with Marsters fooling Fiji defenders and scoring under the posts.
However, the Bati quickly responded, with Blake and Sivo combining to score a try in the left corner.
Despite a sin binning for their backrower due to high contact, the Bati's defense, led by Turuva and Bula, denied the Cook Islands any chance of extending their lead before halftime.