Turuva backs Bati brotherhood to stun the big guns

A World Cup pool containing Australia and New Zealand would be a daunting prospect for many, but not the Bati's ball of energy Sunia Turuva.

The Kangaroos are the reigning World Cup champions and the Kiwis recently claimed the Pacific Cup title but don't try telling the Fijian flyer that his boys are simply making up the numbers.

History shows that the Bati have punched well above their weight at the past two World Cups, making the semi-finals in 2017 and quarter-finals in 2022, where they led the Kiwis 18-6 early in the second half before going down by six points.

With Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Jahream Bula, Api Koroisau and Turuva showing the way, the Bati will fancy their chances of kicking off RLWC26 with a win over the Cook Islands in Newcastle on October 18 before facing the Kangaroos in Brisbane and the Kiwis on the Gold Coast.

"Knowing that only two teams go through [to the semis] will be interesting but if we can take motivation from how we went at the last two World Cups then that will hold us in good stead for this one," Turuva said.

"That first game in Newcastle against the Cook Islands will be pretty mad. They have Val Holmes and Brendan Piakura and they looked in their World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

"We’ll have to be on our game in all three matches."

The Bati came away with a 20-point win over the Cook Islands in their recent Pacific Cup clash in Port Moresby before succumbing to hometown heroes the Kumuls 50-18 in their second match.

While disappointed with the result, Turuva said the experience of playing in front of a full house at Santos National Football Stadium was one to savour.

"It's always good to go back to PNG, it keeps you humble, seeing the way they get around the players no matter who you are playing for," Turuva said.

"Whether you’re a Ron Massey Cup player or a big name in the NRL they get around you all the time and they go crazy and it will be mad to see games up there during the World Cup.

"Being in Bati camp is always special and we formed great bonds [in Port Moresby]. The boys act like we have known each other for years the way we can get around each other and have a laugh.

"We always start our day with devotion and end the day with devotion - sharing testimonies and singing hymns. We do it before and after our games as well. 

"Tui and Brandon Wakeham are our leaders and they bring so much energy. They are serious in meetings but they know when to chill and everyone gravitates to them."

Apart from his own team's clashes in Pool A, Turuva will also be keeping an eye on Pool B/C, where Pacific powerhouses Samoa and Tonga are joined by England, France, Lebanon and PNG.

The top two teams from a combined table of Pool B/C will progress to the semi-finals so the emotion-charged clash between the Tonga XIII and Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium on November 1 takes on even greater significance.

Tonga and Samoa went toe-to-toe at a packed Suncorp Stadium during the Pacific Championships and it was Samoa who came out on top in a bruising encounter.

"It has been special to see what Tonga and Samoa have been able to do in recent years," Turuva said.

"That’s where Fiji want to be and hopefully we can set it up at this World Cup.

"We'd love to do well for our people who are just so passionate about the game.

"I go back home to my village and I love seeing everyone running around in Tigers jerseys or the old Panthers jersey.

"Whether there are rocks on the ground or they are playing with a soft drink bottle, nothing stops them from having a game and it's humbling to see."

• For World Cup 2026 tickets head to