Fiji Batis Four Nations Campaign set

FIJI Bati coach Rick Stone  is available for the Four Nations decider against Samoa next May.

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Peni Musunamasi said the Newcastle Knights assistant coach had agreed to mentor the Fijians next year.

Stone was coach of the Fiji Bati to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup where the Petero Civoniceva-led side reached the semi-finals but lost 64-0 to eventual winners Australia at Wembly Stdium.

“I have spoken to Rick after the Fiji National Rugby League board meeting. He has agreed and he will be available next year to prepare Fiji against Samoa for the Four Nations,” Musunamasi said.

“Rick is willing to help us. We have never paid him and he is here not to gain but to help the sport grow. Getting someone of his calibre and experience is a big plus for Fiji.”

The winner of the Samoa-Fiji match in May will decide who play in the annual Four Nations against Australia, New Zealand and England. Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific Island nation to play in the tournament in 2010. – FijiSun