THE Fiji National Rugby League will continue its 2013 Rugby League World Cup preparations despite the cancellation of the Newcastle Knights tour next February.
The Knights tour was to set the platform for local players as they compete for a spot at the international event in Europe.
However, new FNRL manager Tomi Finau said they would continue with the preparation. He said it was unfortunate the Knights cancelled their Fiji tour.
"We will continue the preparation especially for the local players despite the fact that the tour has been cancelled. We have some trials coming up to select a team for the Battle of the Bati," he said.
FNRL development officers Sale Tubuna and Jo Rabele have been closely monitoring the players for the past few months.
Tubuna earlier stated that he was impressed with the performance of the players at training.
Finau added players in the west will be monitored in the west while the eastern players continue their routine at the FNRL office.
Meanwhile, given his new role and the limited time prior to the RLWC, Finau said he was ready for the challenge to assist in preparing the Fiji Bati team.
"I am happy to be given a role to play with FNRL. I know it is not easy, it will be a huge challenge for me especially when the world cup is just around the corner," he said.
Fiji is drawn in Pool A with Ireland, England and Australia at the RLWC.