Money may not be the motivation behind Vodafone Fiji Bati's stunning Rugby League World Cup run - but it certainly weighed heavily on many of the players' minds.

Fiji Bati Management have revealed most players were trying to save as much of their World Cup daily allowance as possible in order to give the bulk of it to their cash-strapped families at home.

Because team management only covered breakfasts, players relied on "all you can eat" buffets during their cup campaign in order to save cash.

But all this are over after the Fiji Bati reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time and are guaranteed a $300,000 pay cheque.

Team Coach Joe Rabele said local based players were happier than overseas players when they were told that the prize money will be shared amongst the players, as they can give more money to their families.

Fiji Bati will take on Australia on Sunday at 9pm in the second semifinal.