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Saifiti boosts Fiji forward depth for World Cup
Joel Gould, AAP •  October 6th, 2026 8:29 am
Jacob Saifiti | Photo: AAP
The run to the grand final by Newcastle has set prop Jacob Saifiti free to play the World Cup opener for Fiji in a huge boost to the Bati.
Saifiti was named in the Mick Potter coached 23-man squad by Fiji, leaked on social media, which will be ticked off pending eligibility and integrity clearances.
The squad the Bati have named includes several NRL stars but the presence of Saifiti will be vital in the round one clash with Cook Islands in Newcastle on October 18.
Saifiti, who played the most recent of his seven Tests for Fiji at the 2017 World Cup, was hit with a four-match ban for a high shot on Warriors winger Luke Laulilii in the 46-32 loss to the Warriors in round 26.
The Knights had the bye in the final round but the fact they played all four finals means Saifiti has now served his suspension.
Jacob Saifiti | Photo: AAP
The unavailability of star forwards Tui Kamikamica (illness) and Viliame Kikau (ankle) respectively has made veteran NSW prop Saifiti even more of a vital inclusion.
Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe, the RLPA bench player of the year, has been named and can play either lock or in the halves.
Wests Tigers flyer Sunia Turuva and co-captain Api Koroisau provide big game experience and flair.
Turuva could well play fullback due to Tigers teammate Jahream Bula missing the tournament due to post-season shoulder surgery.
The Bati have been top performers at the World Cup and reached the semi-finals in 2008, 2013 and 2017 only to be knocked out by Australia on each occasion.
Fiji World Cup squad:
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Apenisa Driti, Kitione Kautoga, Elijah Keung, Apisai Koroisau, Josese Lanyon, Jordan Leiu, Joseph Litidamu, Kylan Mafoa, Taane Milne, Caleb Navale, Jimmy Ngutlik, Ronald Philitoga, Mitchell Prest, Emosi Ravosai, Jacob Saifiti, Solomone Saukuru, Sunia Turuva, Brandon Wakeham, Jordan Miller.
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