Fiji's new national rugby league coach is looking forward to the challenge of working in the international game and being part of the team's special culture.
Mick Potter has been appointed Bati coach for May's Pacific Test against Papua New Guinea.
The 52-year-old Newcastle Knights assistant who has also had stints at high profile clubs including Wests Tigers and Bradford, helped former Fiji coach Rick Stone during last year's test window.
He said he jumped at the chance to stay involved.
"There was an opportunity there this year to continue there so I've taken it up and it's been really good to work with some of the young players in Fiji. I went over there late last year and done some clinics and some coaching and watched a fair bit of the teams playing and it was a good experience. I liked it and enjoyed it and have since been appointed."
Former Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter will take charge of Fiji for the Pacific Test in May. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Mick Potter said international rugby league was growing and teams like Fiji were an important part of that.
"Their culture that they've got, the Fiji Bati team, is a very good culture as far as the feeling you have from being with the players and the feeling they get with each other is one you want to be associated with. They try to look after one another, try and do the best for their team and their family and to represent Fiji in the Bati team is something that's precious to them."
Mick Potter said he wanted to see the job through to next year's World Cup and will hold further discussions with Fiji National Rugby League later in the year.
Fiji made the semi final of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Photo: AFP
