Fiji Bati coach expects strong line-ups for Pacific Tests against the Kumuls
Radio New Zealand
Fiji rugby league coach Rick Stone can see both sides of the club vs country debate but expects the Island nations to name strong squads for next weekend's Pacific tests on the Gold Coast.
Stone has been in charge of the Bati since 2011 and this year was also promoted to head coach at the Newcastle Knights NRL club.
The Knights have a number of internationals from Fiji and Samoa who could feature in next weekend's tests against Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Rick Stone says it's difficult for clubs to release players in mid-season but they've received good support in the past.
"If the players are genuinely carrying injuries I don't expect them to play - not at this time of year - but if they're fit and healthy and they're keen to play for their country I'd love to see them play. We've got a good bulk of the team hopefully in mind that played in the World Cup and particularly some of our younger players. Kevin Naiqama's one [and] Apisai Korisau, young Kane Evans, possibly Reagan Campbell-Gillard [and] a few other boys like that evolved in the last year or two of some even only in the last couple of months as regular NRL players, and that's going to help us massively of course".
Rick Stone says the more meaningful the test match the more understanding clubs will be in releasing their players.
Fiji rugby league coach Rick Stone can see both sides of the club vs country debate but expects the Island nations to name strong squads for next weekend's Pacific tests on the Gold Coast.
Stone has been in charge of the Bati since 2011 and this year was also promoted to head coach at the Newcastle Knights NRL club.
The Knights have a number of internationals from Fiji and Samoa who could feature in next weekend's tests against Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Rick Stone says it's difficult for clubs to release players in mid-season but they've received good support in the past.
"If the players are genuinely carrying injuries I don't expect them to play - not at this time of year - but if they're fit and healthy and they're keen to play for their country I'd love to see them play. We've got a good bulk of the team hopefully in mind that played in the World Cup and particularly some of our younger players. Kevin Naiqama's one [and] Apisai Korisau, young Kane Evans, possibly Reagan Campbell-Gillard [and] a few other boys like that evolved in the last year or two of some even only in the last couple of months as regular NRL players, and that's going to help us massively of course".
Rick Stone says the more meaningful the test match the more understanding clubs will be in releasing their players.
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