16 Aug 2016

Sport: Fiji Bati demands big improvements

12:34 pm on 16 August 2016

The Fiji Bati say they must improve their discipline if they're to be competitive in the test arena.

A Fiji Residents team defeated Tonga 24-16 in Suva on Friday in a final hit-out before both teams travel to Hawaii for the Ohana Cup.

Fiji Residents take on Tonga in Suva.

Fiji Residents take on Tonga in Suva. Photo: Fiji National Rugby League

Despite finishing ahead on the scoreboard, coach Joe Rabele said he wasn't very happy with their performance.

"To give away 30 penalties in a match is too much. We can't afford to do that in a test match and for the past two days we've tried to iron out what we're trying to achieve - especially in our ten metres, to come back on the ten - that is one of my concern areas at the moment," he said.

"Secondly, here in Fiji there is no dominant tackle, just tackle, release. That's another concern I'm trying to get around so when it comes to the game against Canada we hope to get that dominant tackle call from the ref."

The Ohana Cup is in its fourth year, with newcomers Fiji and Canada going head to head in a full test match and Samoa Residents up against their Tongan counterparts, while the New South Wales Police will also take on the Hawaiian Rugby League Chiefs.

Joe Rabele said it was a big opportunity for their locally based players to represent Fiji Bati and press for selection when NRL players come back into the frame.

Rugby League Samoa President Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a said the Ohana Cup continues to expand.

"It's good for the organic growth of the game here and to build the game in different markets where they already have the appetite for rugby league. It's getting bigger - it will be two days, with festivals and cups and concerts on Friday before the games on Saturday (local time)."

The Aloha Stadium in Hawaii will host the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa rugby league teams.

The Aloha Stadium in Hawaii will host the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa rugby league teams. Photo: Facebook / Aloha Stadium