Former PNG Kumuls winger Jimmy Ngutlik has switched alliance to the Fiji Batis with one week to go before the Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Australia and PNG.

The Kumul #307 was named in the Bati’s 23-man squad yesterday among prominent NRL and Super League figures as players started making their way into camp this week.

Ngutlik also known as the ‘Tolai Taxi’ made his international debut for PNG in their 32-16 win over Cook Islands at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

In the final group stage game at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Ngutlik scored two tries for PNG in their 36-0 victory over Wales.

The 26-year old East New Britain lad currently plays as a winger and centre for the Mackay Cutters. He made 14 appearances and scored 13 tries in the Queensland Cup competition this season.

He is eligible to represent Fiji his maternal great-great grandmother and adds depth to the Batis squad as they prepare for their opening fixture next Sunday.

Meanwhile the Mick Potter coached side will miss the services of Canterbury Bulldogs second-rower and West Tigers full back Jahream Bula who have been ruled out for injury.

While the Fainu Brothers; Sione, Samuela and Latu were all ruled ineligible after making attempts to represent Fiji.

Regardless, the Fijian side have named big NRL names including Jacob Saifiti, Josese Lanyon, Taane Milne, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Waqa Blake, Sunia Turuva, Brandon Wakeham and to be led by Captain Apisai Koroisau.

Fiji will open up their campaign against Cook Islands at the MacDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle next Sunday before their other group fixtures against New Zealand and Australia.

2026 RWC Fiji Bati Squad: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghue, Apenisa Driti, Kitione Kautoga, Elijah Keung, Apisai Koroisau, Josese Lanyon, Jordan Leiu, Joseph Litidamu, Kylan Mafoa, Taane Milne, Caleb Navale, Jimmy Ngutlik, Ronald Philitoga, Mitchell Prest, Emosi Ravosai, Jacob Saifiti, Solomone Saukuru, Sunia Turuva, Semi Valemei, Brandon Wakeham, Jordan Miller