| Fiji National Rugby League Team |
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The Fiji national Rugby League team (nicknamed '''the Bati''') has been participating in international competition since 1992 . Members of the team are selected from the domestic Fijian competition, as well as from competitions in New Zealand and Australia. For the 2000 World Cup the Bati were captained by Lote Tuqiri . HISTORY The game was introduced to Fiji only in 1992 but despite this there has been a long history of Fijian players making their mark in rugby league, most notably back in the 1960s when great players such as Joe Levula and Laitia Ravouvou joined Rochdale Hornets and became household names in the English competition. Interest and participation in Rugby League snowballed throughout Fiji, and as well as continued success in the World Sevens, the Batis began playing full 13-aside games against international teams. By 1994, Fiji had hammered the Great Britain Amateur tourists (40-8) and, captained by mighty front-rower James Pickering, beat France (20-12). They had also produced their first rugby league superstar after winger Noa Nandruku joined Canberra Raiders and in 1993 became the top try-scorer in the Australian competition. Fiji took part in their first World Cup in 1995 where, just as the 2000 World Cup, they had the misfortune to be placed in the same group as both England and Australia. But the Batis made a massive impression in their opening World Cup game in which they ran riot against South Africa, 52-6, and had the crowd on their feet at Keighley. 2008 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP ''See 2008 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying '' The Fiji Bati have qualified for the upcoming 2008 Rugby League World Cup to be held in Australia after finishing second in Pacific qualifying behind Tonga . Fiji's qualification campaign started with a thrilling 30-28 loss to Samoa before reversing the scoreline a few days later with a 30-28 win over the Tongans. Fiji won their final qualifying game against Cook Islands 40-4. COMPETITIONS Fiji have participated in:
RESULTS
National Rugby League of Fiji During the Super League War Fiji, like most countries other countries, aligned itself with Super League. In search of international competition the Australian Rugby League played a match against a rebel "National Rugby League of Fiji" team in 1996. This match has been granted Test status by the Australian Rugby League , but not by the Rugby League International Federation .
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