Jimmy Ngutlik Joined Fiji Bati World Cup Squad
The 26-year-old winger will represent Fiji in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup after a successful season.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Do you support athletes choosing to represent nations based on ancestral heritage instead of birth country?
Jimmy Ngutlik has officially joined the Fiji Bati squad for the 2026 World Cup. The winger secured his roster spot following a breakout performance in the Queensland Cup.
Why it matters
Ngutlik chose to play for Fiji to honor his maternal grandfather's roots in Rewa. The decision marks a significant transition for the player after previously representing Papua New Guinea.
Ngutlik recorded 25 tries across 28 appearances for the Mackay Cutters this season. His performance earned the 26-year-old a spot on the Fiji Bati roster for the upcoming international tournament.
The players
Jimmy Ngutlik
He is a 26-year-old rugby league player born in Kokopo who previously represented Papua New Guinea.
Mick Potter
He is the coach who consulted with Ngutlik regarding his selection for the Fiji Bati team.
The details
After consulting with coach Mick Potter and his staff, Ngutlik committed to the squad for the 2026 tournament. He is expected to play a key role in the team's attack when the competition begins in Perth.
Timeline
October 18, 2026, at 8pm marks the scheduled match against the Cook Islands.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Ngutlik to the roster is a key personnel change ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. This move aims to bolster the team's offensive depth for the tournament following his high-scoring season in the Queensland Cup.
Ngutlik is slated to make his debut for Fiji on October 18, 2026, against the Cook Islands in Perth. Fans and analysts will be watching to see if his high try-scoring rate from the Mackay Cutters translates to the international stage.
The takeaway
Players choosing to represent nations based on ancestral heritage continues to be a common trend in international rugby league. Ngutlik's move underscores the importance of performance in domestic leagues like the Queensland Cup for earning World Cup selection.
Further reading
For more news on international rosters and tournament updates, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fiji Times.
Live Poll
Do you support athletes choosing to represent nations based on ancestral heritage instead of birth country?
