'Chance for promotion is massive': Bati out to avenge PNG loss

Fiji star Taane Milne believes the introduction of promotion and relegation will lift the intensity of the Pacific Championships as the Bati aim for a place in the finals at CommBank Stadium.

The Bati host the Kumuls on October 19 and the Aitu on October 26 in Suva and coach Wise Kativerata has named some of the NRL’s biggest stars headed by Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo, Sunia Turuva and Tui Kamikamica for the tournament.

The Pacific Bowl will conclude with PNG meeting Cook Islands on November 2 and the winner will then play-off against the third placed team in the Pacific Cup on November 10 in Sydney for a place in next year’s top tier.

Milne welcomed the opportunity to play Australia, Tonga or New Zealand, who narrowly defeated the Bati 24-18 in a gripping quarter-final at the last World Cup in 2022.

“I think it is awesome for us and for the other nations as well - Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea,” Milne said.

“Obviously Papua New Guinea got the win last year, so they are going to be the team to beat, and we have to worry about them first, but the chance for promotion is massive.

"To be able to play Australia or New Zealand would be exciting and it’s something more to play for.

“There is always something on the line when you pull on the Fiji Bati jersey, but this is something extra to get the fire in the belly and I can’t wait to play that first game in front of our home crowd.”

The versatile Milne, who plays wing or centre for the Rabbitohs but is usually a second-rower at international level, has previously represented Fiji on home soil against the 2017 Australian PM’s XIII and said the fans were passionate.

“I was fortunate to play over there in 2017 and you see the look on people’s faces and see little kids on the sideline,” he said.

“They have the same dreams as players in our team, guys like Viliame Kikau and Maika Sivo. They grew up in Fiji and came to the NRL.

“It means a lot to play the games over there in front of the home crowd. I know how passionate Fijians are and grateful, so just to put a smile on their face by playing over there is something I can’t wait to do.”

Milne grew up in New Zealand but has become a mainstay of the Fiji side after former Bati coach Mick Potter convinced him to represent his heritage, playing 13 Tests since debuting at the 2017 World Cup.

While initially concerned that he didn’t know enough about Fijian culture, Milne has learned from his time in the Bati camp and said he looks forward to playing for Fiji each season.

“Every time I step foot in the Fiji camp I feel like it is the pinnacle for me in my career. I am really passionate about it and I am really excited for the Pacific Championships,” he said.

“Culture is a massive part of Fijian camp. The first thing when we wake up in the morning is the devotion, and it is just a good way to start the day.

“We do that every morning – day off, day on, game day – every morning. That is one thing I enjoy, and it brings us together as a team.

“When I first got the call in 2016 from Mick Potter to play, I was a bit embarrassed and didn’t know much about my culture.

“A few of the senior players in the Fiji squad called me as well, to encourage me to come over, and I have never looked back. I put my hand up every year, and I am really proud and passionate about playing for the Bati.”