FIJI Bati coach Rick Stone is hoping to witness some high quality rugby league at the Battle of the Bati clash today.
Stone, who jetted into the country earlier this week with Wes Naiqama, will be selecting players for the Vodafone Fiji XIII side to play Italy on October 12. The former South Sydney Rabbitohs player said he expected local players to showcase impressive performances.
"Obviously a lot of energy and enthusiasm and we always get that from the local players," Stone said.
"I'm also expecting a couple of players to jump out of the box and put on an impressive performance."
Naiqama, who is on vacation, said he was looking forward to the clash today.
The former Fiji Bati said the onus was on the local players to perform to their level best and earn overseas deals to further their career.
Naiqama said playing in the National Rugby League competition was a rewarding experience as it gave opportunity to players to develop the skills from training under a professional environment.
"We want as many local players playing in there (NRL competition) because the way they train under professional environment. It helps the players improve a lot on their skills."
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Naiqama is looking forward to join Penrith Panthers in the upcoming NRL season.
Naiqama said he did not have a good season with Newcastle Knights this year and hoped to improve when he joins the Panthers for the next two years.