Fiji National Rugby League board chairman Rajesh Singh wants to heighten standards with the Bati national side, and will look at having an NRL-level coach to take the Pacific island nation forward.
Chairman Singh wants to raise the bar in coaching quality, ruling out any local Fijian candidate for the top gig.
Three coaches with NRL experience have applied and are in talks with the board to see who will be the most capable fit, the FijiSun is reporting.
"The interview panel has made their presentation to the board and a decision on who will be the new Fiji Bati coach will be announced soon," Singh said.
"However, we'll ensure the local coaches are given the opportunity to understudy the head coach as they continue with their coaching accreditations.
"With the help of NRL, we'll look at a pathway to further develop our local coaches."
Fiji National Sports Commission chief executive Peter Mazey confirmed the change in head role position after former Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata's three-year contract expired at the end of March.
Mazey went on to say there will be changes moving forward on contract extensions.
"The coaches' employment contract is not with the Commission but is between the NSO and the coach," Mazey told the publication.
"Once a new coach is appointed, then a new MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) will be arranged.
"This applies to FNRL in the same way, and as such, we will await confirmation from FNRL on the new coach."
With the World Cup looming, the Bati are looking to become a heavyweight island nation, such as the rise we have seen with Tonga and Samoa over recent years.
The Rugby League World Cup will kick off in October this year on Australian shores.
