'We're going there to win': Kikau, Koroisau to lead Bati

An international tug-of-war has erupted over the Fainu brothers, Latu, Samuela and Sione, after Bati coach Mick Potter named the siblings in a 40-man World Cup squad subject to eligibility clearances.

The Fainu brothers were among eight Wests Tigers players chosen in the extended Fiji squad, alongside co-captain Api Koroisau, fullback Jahream Bula, winger Sunia Turuva, centre Solomone Saukuru and hooker Josese Lanyon.

Latu Fainu was a member of the Tonga squad that toured England in 2023 and made his international debut in the third Test. Samuela and Sione are also being considered for World Cup selection with Tonga.

However, the trio are continuing a mission to prove their eligibility to represent Fiji in honour of their late grandmother and Potter has named them in his extended squad announced at a press conference in Suva.

Potter said the brothers had been included in the 40-man squad to ensure they qualified for selection if eligible.

"We have to put them in otherwise they won't qualify for the 23-member squad," Potter said.

"That's still pending at the moment. We're hopeful of a positive outcome."

Potter confirmed that Koroisau and Bulldogs secondrower Viliame Kikau would lead the Bati’s World Cup campaign, which begins at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 against Cook Islands.

Fiji, who reached the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup under Potter after upsetting New Zealand, are drawn in Pool A and will also face the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium on October 25 and the Kiwis at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31.

The extended Bati squad includes 22 players from NRL clubs, headed by Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe, Manly pair Caleb Navale and Brandon Wakeham, Eels forward Kitione Kautoga and Knights prop Jacob Saifiti.

Another four former NRL stars – Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei, Waqa Blake and Taane Milne – have been selected from Super League, along with Castleford's Fiji-born speedster Jason Qareqare.

“What we have got is a contingent of NRL players and Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau will lead us, along with Jahream Bula,” Potter said.

“We have got mostly NRL players along with some NSW Cup and Queensland Cup and Super League players. Where I think we have a shortage of players – at fullback, halfback and frontrow – we have got three local players to cover those positions.

“I am really happy with the squad and subject to injury and subject to suspensions this will be the main contingent.”

Fiji National Rugby League will submit the 40-man squad for eligibility checks before they can finalise their 23-man squad for Rugby League World Cup 2026.