Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter to relocate for 2026 Rugby League World Cup prep

Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter will soon relocate to Fiji to spearhead the national team's preparations for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Singh confirmed the development, expressing gratitude to local authorities for granting Potter's work visa.

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the FNRL is grateful to local authorities for granting Potter's work visa, adding it is an important step in the team's preparation for the world meet.

Singh described the visa approval as a vital step in the team's World Cup campaign. Fiji faces a challenging Pool A, competing against powerhouse nations Australia, the Cook Islands, and New Zealand in the tournament hosted by Australia. With the head coach now able to work on the ground, the team can intensify its strategic planning and training.

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with the head coache's visa sorted, he can start the work needed to prepare the team.

Potter, who previously coached Fiji in 2017 and led them to a notable victory over New Zealand, will aim to improve upon recent mixed results. Singh has been actively involved in establishing a robust support system for the team, meeting with Potter and former Bati representatives in Australia. Several former players have expressed interest in assisting Potter as the World Cup approaches.

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A number of former Bati reps have indicated that they would want to assist Potter.

Both the Fiji Bati and the Fiji Bulikula, coached by Josaia Rabele Dakuitoga, are preparing for the global event. The FNRL emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation for both teams, recognizing its impact on the sport's development in Fiji. The Fiji Bati is scheduled to open its campaign against the Cook Islands on October 18 in Newcastle, with the Bulikula also facing New Zealand on the same day.

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the FNRL understands the importance of having both teams prepared well for the world event and what that will mean for the sport in the country.