The Vodafone Fiji Bati have opened their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a convincing 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
The Bati scored seven tries, with Waqa Blake, Jacob Saifiti, Taane Milne, Caleb Navale and Kitione Kautoga crossing the try line, while Solomone Saukuru scored a double.
Brandon Wakeham added six conversions.
The Bati applied pressure on the Cook Islands from the beginning of the match, launching wave after wave of attacks and maintaining their intensity throughout the game.
Bati captain Apisai Koroisau says they knew they had to start fast and praised the players for their efforts on the field.
Koroisau says the team knew what they needed to do in the first half and executed their game plan well.
With Australia up next, Koroisau says the Kangaroos are at the top of the food chain for a reason, but the Bati will give everything they have on the field.
Wakeham was named Player of the Match after producing three try assists, two line breaks and four tackle breaks, alongside an impressive kicking performance.
The Bati will face the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium at 9.05pm next Sunday.
