LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Fainu brothers set to provide Bati boost for Pacific Championships

Fiji's rugby league team is set to strengthen its forward lineup for the upcoming Pacific Championships with the addition of the Fainu brothers, Samuela and Sione.

Both Samuela and Sione, who also qualify to represent Tonga, have chosen to play for Fiji. They may be joined in the squad for next year's World Cup by their brother Latu, who is currently sidelined due to shoulder surgery.

The Fainu brothers are part of a group of five Wests Tigers players included in the Bati roster for matches against the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea. The other Tigers players are Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, and newcomer Joese Lanyon.

However, Wests Tigers captain and hooker Api Koroisau will not participate, nor will Bulldogs' dynamic forward Viliame Kikau, who will be occupied with his wedding during the championships.

Additionally, Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who led the NRL in tries for the 2025 season, has informed Bati coach Wise Kativerata of his availability to play for Fiji if he is not selected for the end-of-season Ashes series with the Kangaroos in England.

Nawaqanitawase's connection to Fiji stems from his father, Sevuloni, who migrated to Australia in 1991 to play rugby league for the Balmain Tigers.

Since the last World Cup held in England in 2022, the Bati team has been undergoing significant changes, welcoming emerging talents like Kurt Donoghoe, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, and Jethro Rinakima, who have all secured their spots as established players in the NRL.