“Nothing is impossible when the heart is willing.”
Those were the words of 30-year-old Namatakula villager Alipate Tani who is one of three senior players in the Overseas Fijians side to meet the Local Residents this Thursday in the Battle of the Bati.
Tani who represented Fiji in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup believes the Vodafone Fiji Bati can lift their performance to another level as they have more NRL players this year.
The former Flying Fijians play maker said he wants his spot back in this year's World Cup.
Tani was one of Fiji's stand-out players in the 2008 World Cup before he switched to rugby union.
He was signed by the West Tigers for the 2011 NRL season.
The Overseas Fijian side will be captained by 2008 Fiji Bati World Cup scrum half Aaron Groom.
Some of the players who will be part of the Vodafone Fiji Bati in the world cup include Marika Koroibete, Petero Civoniceva, Akuila Uate, Jason Bukuya, Semi Radradra, Darryl Millard, Wes Naiqama, Kevin Naiqama, Sisa Waqa, Tariq Sims and Ashton Sims.
Jarryd Hayne will play for Fiji if he is not selected in the Australian team.
The Battle of the Bati kicks off at 7pm this Thursday at the ANZ Stadium.
Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka
Tani wants his spot back
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