Bati five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe has warned former Dolphins team-mate Mason Teague to prepare for a “bash fest” when he lines up at hooker for Cook Islands in Saturday’s opening Pacific Championships match.
With a World Cup qualifier against South Africa after their Pacific Bowl campaign in Papua New Guinea, Aitu coach Karmichael Hunt has a stronger side than in recent seasons.
Broncos enforcer Brendan Piakura, Warriors forward Marata Niukore and Sharks centre KL Iro have returned to represent their Cook Islands heritage, while Dragons centre Val Holmes has pledged his allegiance to the Aitu.
“The Cookies are always tough and now they have got a couple of stars added into the team so I am really looking forward to this game,” Donoghoe said.
Cook Islands are building in strength ahead of next year’s World Cup.
©Cook Islands Rugby League
“I have got a couple of mates in their team and I have been seeing them prepare, and they look like they are ready to go.
“Our boys will need to be ready because it is going to be a bash fest for the first 20 minutes, I reckon, so I am looking forward to it.”
Fiji captain Tui Kamikamica said the return of Piakura, Niukore and Iro would bolster a squad whose only other current NRL players are Teague, Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs), Reuben Porter (Tigers), Makahesi Makatoa (Roosters) and Delahia Wigmore (Panthers).
“I reckon this is the strongest team they have selected for the last couple of years, they have got heaps of NRL experience in their team,” Kamikamica said.
“They have got a good side this year compared to last year, and we have got some new stars who have earned their spots to represent Fiji, and I can’t wait to see them play.”
Donoghoe played 12 of his 22 matches for the Dolphins this season at lock but is glad to be playing on an edge for Fiji, with whom he made his Test debut in 2023 after just a handful of NRL games.
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Piakura, the Broncos premiership winning enforcer, last played for Cook Islands at the World Cup in 2022, while Niukore is returning to the Aitu after switching his allegiances from New Zealand.
The pair bring an added authority to the Cook Islands forward pack and Donoghoe said he would avoid running at them during the match at Santos National Football Stadium.
“I’m good mates with Mason Teague, we have been pretty close for a couple of years, so I am looking forward to going after him,” he said. “If I have got to run at anyone I will just run at Mason.”
Iro missed last year’s Pacific Championships through injury and the Sharks centre also knocked back the Kiwis to represent Cook Islands, while Maroons Origin star Val Holmes is set to switch from Australia if the Aitu qualify for next year’s World Cup.
In contrast, Fiji have a young team, with four debutants – Broncos prop Michael Waqa, Wests Tigers centre Solomone Saukuru, Rabbitohs centre Terrell Kalo Kalo and Fiji-based former rugby union star Keresi Maya.
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“I think this is really good, especially for our young guys,” Donoghoe said. “It sets them up for a good platform to put their name up to get selected next year for the World Cup.
“It is really important that all of us play good because everyone wants to play in a World Cup and there are going to be a few boys who want to come back and represent Fiji.
“For those guys playing this weekend, it’s their jersey to lose so everyone needs to put their best foot forward.”
Kamikamica said there was a transition under way in the Fiji squad that would hold the Bati in good stead for the future.
“There is a couple of old heads in the team, including myself, and we have got a couple of young boys coming through who are going to make their debut for the Fiji Bati,” he said.
“It is always good to have a mix of old players and young players because in a couple of years we will be gone and they will be filling our shoes.”
On Saturday 18th October, witness an epic doubleheader at Santos National Football Stadium as Fiji take on Cook Islands in the men’s competition, whilst PNG battle it out against Cook Islands in the women’s game. Head online via Tiket Mastas or visit an outlet to secure your tickets from K20. This is International Rugby League, unleashed.