“Super League Stars Set to Shine: PNG and Fiji Announce Squads for Pacific Bowl Clash”
Six Super League players have been included in Papua New Guinea’s squad for their upcoming Pacific Bowl match against Fiji.
The Kumuls will head to Suva to face Fiji this Saturday in the opening round of the 2024 Pacific Bowl. The match, kicking off at 9:10 am (BST), will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL.
Both Papua New Guinea coach Jason Demetriou and Fiji’s Wise Kativerata have announced their squads for the fixture, with nine Super League players set to take part.
Salford Red Devils’ Nene Macdonald will start at fullback for the Kumuls, while Warrington Wolves’ Rodrick Tai takes his usual centre position. Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam will play in the halves, though his teammate Edwin Ipape is sidelined due to an injury sustained in Leigh’s semi-final loss to Wigan Warriors two weeks ago.
Leeds Rhinos forward Rhyse Martin, who will join Hull KR in 2025, is named in the back row, while Castleford Tigers players Liam Horne and Sylvester Namo are on the bench.
On Fiji’s side, Waqa Blake will feature at centre, and Kevin Naiqama takes the stand-off role. Blake recently left St Helens after the 2024 season, and Naiqama’s departure from Huddersfield Giants leaves his next move unknown.
Ben Nakubuwai will start in the front row alongside Melbourne Storm’s Tui Kamikamica, who recently played in the NRL Grand Final. Nakubuwai joined Featherstone Rovers mid-season on loan from Leigh. Joe Lovodua, who returned to Fiji after leaving Doncaster, will come off the bench for the Bati.
Fiji squad:
Sunia Turuva; Maika Sivo, Michael Jennings, Waqa Blake, Semi Valemei; Kevin Naiqama, Kurt Donoghoe; Tui Kamikamica, Penioni Tagituimua, Ben Nakubuwai, Viliame Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale.
Subs: Joe Lovodua, Taane Milne, Kylan Mafoa,Jordan Miller.