You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Fiji keen for an Aussie arm wrestle

Fiji coach Mick Potter is aware of the challenge awaiting him on Friday night: a rampant Kangaroos side on home soil.

Australia are on an 11-game winning streak and have denied Fiji in the semi-finals of the last two World Cups.

What's the Bati's key to success?

"If we can hold them to a low score, there's a chance," Potter said. 

"I don't know if that's possible or not, but the guys are going to have a good crack at it."

Potter has watched as his squad has gone about their work in a professional and respectful way throughout the last five weeks. They didn't get overawed in Wellington against the Kiwis in last week's shock 4-2 win, and the same approach gives the coach confidence they can make history again.

"I'm not sure if they surprised themselves about how well they defended," he said. 

"They've been OK. I don't think they're feeling any pressure. They didn't celebrate too much after New Zealand. They still had more work to do. I'm really pleased with their attitude with how they've been pretty grounded at all, with their expectations as a whole."

‌Five-eighth Jarryd Hayne has performed strongly during his time with the Bati, and Potter said he'd enjoyed the Gold Coast star's contribution in the halves. 

"His contribution at six when he's playing with us; he's helping steer the team round on the field," Potter said. 

"He's coming up with some really good kick plays, and really good plays for his outside men. He knows the game. He's been excellent. I can't speak highly enough of him and how he's been helping us."

Potter is bracing himself for a possible Australian onslaught although there's enough experience in this Fiji side to do better than previous ones.

"I'm sure the odds are stacked against our team, and possibly could be a really good scoreline for Australia," he said. 

"I don't know what's going to happen. It could be a real scramble, I don't know, but I'm hoping it's going to be a scramble."

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners