The Vodafone Fiji Bati team received $22,000 from the Fiji Interim government today, a reward for their historic performance at the Rugby League World Cup that earned them the fourth spot ranking in the world.

The Bati was presented with the cheque from Minister for Sport Fiilipe Bole in Suva this afternoon after they marched through the capital with fans and the Fiji Police Band this afternoon.

“Celebrations are still on even after your loss to Australia in the semi-final stages,” Bole told the team.

“And I join the rest of Fiji when I say, a job well done.”

Bole added they had done Fiji proud despite the loss to the mighty Australians.

Each player received $1000 each while the team officials were given $500 for their services.

“This is a big moment for us to be recognised by our government,” an emotional Peni Musunamasi, the Fiji National Rugby League chairman said.

“The boys have been getting emails, calls, faxes, people dropping in to congratulate them, it’s a proud moment for all of us and this is the icing on the cake.”

Hundreds of people cheered the team on during the march despite several overseas player’s missing.

Team officials confirmed Ashton Simms, Darryl Millard, Aaron Groom, Jason Bukuya and Nick Bradley Qalilawa were hosted by their respective families and couldn’t attend the celebration.

Also joining in the march was the Fiji Police league team that won the Police rugby World Cup.

Captain Jim Patrick was delighted with the reception they received and said this was all the recognition they wanted for winning the title in the tournament debut.

The Police team did not receive any money from the government for their victory but Bole said the Police Commissioner Esala Teleni would be looking at rewarding the players from the money allocated to them from the 2009 Budget announced this morning.

Fijilive

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