Fiji has been drawn alongside the two rugby league giants in the pool stage, but Potter says the Bati will not be travelling merely to compete.
Insert: Potter - Going in to win Aug 31
The Bati squad is also expected to spend time in Fiji before heading to Australia, with Potter saying the focus will be on cultural integration rather than training.
The squad will spend about six days in Fiji before travelling to Newcastle, where they will arrive a week before their first match.
Potter says he will return to Australia and visit as many players as possible to assess their physical condition and mentality ahead of the tournament.
The Bati are pooled with defending champions Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off on October 15th, 2026 and is hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
