Perseverance pays off for Botiki

Missing out on the 2008 Rugby League World Cup did not deter the then 19-year-old Peni Botiki from pursuing his dreams of donning the Vodafone Fiji Bati jumper.

Now the 24-year-old from Viseisei, Vuda, cannot forget receiving the phone call three weeks ago to be informed that he will replace John Sutton.

Botiki paid for his own expenses to be part of the Battle of the Bati trials last month but he was not selected.

Botiki made his debut for the Vodafone Fiji Bati in 2009 before securing a contract to play for the Collegians Illawarra club which is the feeder club to the Saint George Illawarra Dragons.

The dreadlock forward plays in the same club as Alipate Tani and he said it’s a different feeling when you hear the national anthem before you play.