There’s good and bad news for the Fiji Bati team ahead of its all important clash against Ireland at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia tonight.

Bad news first- prop forward and Nadera Panthers’ Iowane Divavesi is our of Ireland’s match facing two match suspension after guilty of tripping Scotland’s Wade Liddell last week.

The verdict was delivered to him this morning; hours before Fiji play Ireland in the semifinal qualifier at the Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium in Australia tonight.

The sentence could mean exit from the World Cup for the Naloto, Verata rugger.

If Fiji bows out tonight, Divavesi will serve the rest of his suspension on the local scene.

This was confirmed by Fiji National Rugby League chairman Peni Musunamasi.

“It’s unfortunate. He is among the experienced player in the squad but Ula Naqau has replaced him against Ireland,” he said from Australia this afternoon.

Divavesi was suspended after a hearing via video link between Brisbane and Sydney with Judge Paul Conlon chairing a tribunal which also included ARL appointment Royce Ayliffe and RFL appointment Ian Allerton.

The winner tonight will meet Australia in the second semifinal at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

The good news: there’s money for the Fijians whether they win or lose tonight.

It is reported that the winner might rake in $300,000 while the loser could earn $75,000.

Musunamasi said the exact amount is yet to be earned but the incentive has boosted the Fiji Bati against Ireland.

“The players are ready and we are confident that we will win,” he added.

Team:
Fiji (1 to 13): Jarryd Hayne; Semi Tadulala, Wes Naiqama (captain), Daryl Millard, Akuila Uate; Alipate Noilea, Aaron Groom; Vula Naqau, Waisele Sukanaveita, Ilisoni Vonomateiratu; Ashton Sims, Sevanaia Koroi, Jason Bukuya.
Interchange: James Storer, Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, Osea Sadrau, Semisi Tora, Jone Macilai.
Fiji meets Ireland at 8.50pm.

Fijilive

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