FIJI Bati rugby league head coach Rick Stone says Fiji needs to improve its skill level prior to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Stone, who watched the Battle of the Bati match between the Fiji Residents and the New South Wales Country Fijians on Wednesday, says assisting players improve their skill level is one area they needed to work on.
Stone, the Newcastle Knights assistant coach, was impressed with the performance of the players during the Bati match where 10 local players were selected for the friendly match against Italy later this month.
"I think the players are improving on their skill level and knowledge of the game. This is an area that we want to work on but comparing it to the last time when I was here, I believe there is a huge improvement from the players in terms of skills," Stone said.
Fiji Bati skipper Wes Naiqama and his younger brother Kevin are confirmed to feature in the match against Italy.
The Naiqama brothers and the 10 local players that were named on Wednesday night will team up with other players based in Australia for the friendly game.
Stone said they were working on getting Marika Koroibete, Sisa Waqa and other players in Australia.
"We are still trying to get other players, hopefully Sisa Waqa, Marika (Koroibete) from Wests Tigers will play in this game," he said.
The Fiji Bati and Italy will be held on October 12 in Australia.