Fiji have confirmed a 40-man squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, including a host of international experience, but without Mark Nawaqanitawase who was originally hoped as a possible inclusion.
Leading that group are the Fainu brothers - Latu, Sione and Samuela - with the Wests Tigers trio currently up in the air as to whether they will be allowed to represent Fiji or not owing to eligibility requirements.
“All three are eligible for Tonga and NZ but believe they have Fijian heritage that they wish to honour,” Troy Grant, the International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman told Code Sports last month.
“Unfortunately they've been unable to establish with accredited records from Fiji.
“IRL have no issues with their application or desire to represent Fiji as it's evident they have a genuine desire to play for Fiji and during heritage round recently flew both the Tongan and Fijian fags.
“The IRL has rigid eligibility criteria and have given them more time to provide credible documents to support their application.”
It's understood the trio are eligible through their grandmother, but at this stage, have been unable to produce the required eligibility documents.
The Bati have also decided not to name Mark Nawaqanitawase. It was understood both Fiji and Australia wanted him to play, but his rugby union commitments and expiring contract in the NRL will mean he is unavailable for the tournament.
Fiji will be led by Apisai Koroisau, with the Tigers the most represented NRL side - the Fainu brothers and Koroisau are joined by Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Josese Lanyon and Solomone Saukuru.
The backline will have a heavy English Super League presence, with Waqa Blake, Maika Sivo and Semi Valemei all named, while Jacob Saifiti will lead the forward pack - although could miss the start of the tournament with four games still to serve on a suspension for a devastating high shot last weekend which saw him sent off.
He will miss as many games as are left on the suspension, with the Knights' finals campaign to determine how many.
Viliame Kikau is also included in the squad, while other NRL talent includes Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham and Caleb Navale.
Final squads for the tournament are unlikely to be confirmed until the day after the NRL grand final, with the tournament to then start ten days later on October 15.
The IRL have confirmed that teams need to submit squads by the close of business on Friday, but may not announce them as Fiji have done.
Fiji 40-man World Cup squad
1. Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)
2. Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers)
3. Waqa Blake (Bradford Bulls)
4. Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers)
5. Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos)
6. Latu Fainu (Wests Tigers)
7. Brandon Wakeham (Manly Sea Eagles)
8. Sione Fainu (Wests Tigers)
9. Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers)
10. Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)
11. Viliame Kikau (Canterbury Bulldogs)
12. Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers)
13. Kurt Donoghoe (Dolphins)
14. Josese Lanyon (Wests Tigers)
15. Caleb Navale (Manly Sea Eagles)
16. Kitione Kautoga (Parramatta Eels)
17. Taane Milne (Huddersfield Giants)
18. Solomone Saukuru (Wests Tigers)
19. Jethro Rinakama (Canterbury Bulldogs)
20. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
21. Cyrus Stanley (St George Illawarra Dragons)
22. Joseph Litidamu (Melbourne Storm)
23. Elijah Keung (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
24. Michael Waqa (Brisbane Broncos)
25. Jordan Miller (Parramatta Eels)
26. Mikaele Senibua (Canterbury Bulldogs)
27. Jason Qareqare (Castleford Tigers)
28. Ronald Philitoga (North Queensland Cowboys)
29. Jordin Leiu (Norths Devils)
30. Jope Rauqe (Perth Bears)
31. Ben Nakubuwai (Norths Devils)
32. Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei (Canterbury Bulldogs)
33. Emosi Ravosai (New Zealand Warriors)
34. Kylan Mafoa (Manly Sea Eagles)
35. Terrell Kalo Kalo (Melbourne Storm)
36. Jimmy Ngutlik (Mackay Cutters)
37. Brenden Naicori (Wests Tigers)
38. Senivalati Vunibola (Kaiviti Silktails)
39. Masake Kurukitoga (Unknown)
40. Huanga Tokona (Unknown)
