FORMER Fiji Bati manager Ilaitia Naqau is among the applicants who expressed their interest in managing the national rugby league team to the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) in England this year.
Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) general manager Tomi Finau said they wanted to finalise the position by early next month.
With RLWC just a few months away, Finau said the role was important in ensuring Fiji's successful participation at the world event.
"We need someone with the calibre to work closely with the Fiji Bati coach Rick Stone and liaise with the RLWC organisers on the participation of the national team," Finau said.
"While almost half of the (manager's) job is completed, we need someone who can carry on with the remaining assignments on schedule.
"This RLWC is very important to us as we aim to finish better than the last time."
Finau said the position was open to everyone including those residing abroad.
"We would like to clarify that this position is a voluntary one but we will choose the best candidate available to us," he said.
"We have already received interest from some people and we are looking for the right person because we will be dealing with some high-profile players during the RLWC and their welfare is very important to us."
Fiji Bati, under the guidance of Jo Rabele, finished on the fourth place in the 2008 RLWC and new coach Stone has been working tirelessly with the local development officers to ensure the team surpass that rank in November.