Former Leeds Rhinos and Toronto Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott is set to guide Fiji in this weekend’s opening Rugby League World Cup match against the Australian Kangaroos after answering an SOS call to help the Bati.
Recently appointed Wests Tigers assistant David Furner was Fiji’s coaching director during the mid-season Test against Papua New Guinea but was unable to travel to England and he asked McDermott to fill the breach.
Joe Rabele is the Bati coach, but McDermott was calling the shots from the coach’s box during Friday night’s 50-nil loss to England and attended the post-match press conference.
Having steered Leeds to four premierships and led the Wolfpack to Super League promotion in 2019, McDermott’s experience will be invaluable to a Fiji team aiming for a fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance.
The Bati side was missing NRL grand final stars Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau and Maika Sivo and endured a heavy defeat and worrying injury toll.
Canterbury halfback Brandon Wakeham, Redcliffe Dolphins prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu and Mounties second-rower Kaylen Miller failed to finish the match and there are concerns some may be ruled out of the World Cup.
The Fiji Bati will take on the Australian Kangaroos at 6.30am Sunday.
Source: nrl.com
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