19 year old Tikiko Noke has created history by being the youngest ever player to be selected for the Fiji Bati side to a Rugby League World Cup.
The former Lautoka Central College student put on an impressive performance which saw him score a try to help Fiji Residents beat the Overseas Fijians 18-14 last night.
Noke said his hard work and sacrifice has certainly paid off.
Noke joins Nabua Broncos hard hitting centre Ilisavani Jegesa as the only two local players to make the 21 member squad that was announced after the match.
Other players that have been retained from the last World Cup include Wes Naiqama, Alipate Tani, Daryl Millard, Ashton Sims, Aaron Groom, Jason Bukuya.
Petero Civoniceva has been named as captain while other players also making the cut include include Kevin Naiqama, Marika Koroibete, Semi Radradra, Sisa Waqa, James Storer, Apisai Koroi-sau, Kaliova Tani, Kane Evans, Vitale Jnr Roqica, Eloni Vunakece and the Sims brothers Tariq and Kor-bin.
Meanwhile three more places are yet to be confirmed which may be filled by Jarryd Hayne, Akuila Uate and John Sutton.
Story by: Aliki Bia
