LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a thrilling Pacific Championships clash, Fiji Bati emerged victorious against the Cook Islands with a late try by Sunia Turuva.
The match, held in Port Moresby, saw Fiji trailing 18-16 with only six minutes remaining.
However, Turuva took matters into his own hands, skillfully maneuvering through the Cook Island defenders to secure the win and keep Fiji's finals hopes alive.
The Cook Islands had initially posed a threat, with Esan Marsters performing exceptionally in attack.
Nevertheless, Fiji's star-studded team, which included NRL players Maika Sivo, Jahream Bula, Waqa Blake, and Turuva, proved to be too strong in the end.
The Cook Islands had the upper hand in the early stages of the match, and Marsters scored the first try with a deceptive right foot step.
However, Fiji quickly regained momentum, with Blake and Sivo combining for a try in the left corner.
Despite a sin binning for a high contact offense, the Bati displayed exceptional defense through Turuva and Bula, denying the Cook Islands further opportunities to extend their lead before halftime.