Local players are currently not on Vodafone Fiji Bati coach Mick Porter's radar.
Porter told the media that he has been watching some of the local competitions, but local players are currently not on his radar for Bati selection.
He says local players need to be part of an elite system, as this would help them become as well prepared as players competing at higher levels.
Porter says he has a lot of respect for Fiji's local players and believes there will come a time when they elevate their game to the standard required to play for the Bati.
With 45 days to go until the Rugby League World Cup, Porter says they have not finalised their squad yet, but they have a good idea of the players they want in it.
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.
