FNRL confirms Mick Potter's resignation as Fiji Bati coach

The Fiji National Rugby League has confirmed that they have received Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter’s resignation letter and are looking to go local in the coaching position.

Speaking to Fijivillage, FNRL Chief Executive Officer Timoci Naleba says there are some local and overseas coaches who have expressed their interest in the coaching position.

Naleba says the coaching position is expected to be advertised by next month.

Potter has also nominated World Cup assistant coach Wes Naiqama as a potential successor.

NRL.com reports that Potter's decision is unrelated to the fallout over payments from World Cup payments for the Bati players, which has led to threats of a boycott of future Tests and demand for changes at board and management level of the FNRL.

Potter told NRL.com that he had four years in the role and wants to be able to spend more time with his family and more time with the Knights.

He says that he had a bit of success with the squad and the players really excelled given that they were not really at full strength at the World Cup with a few players out through injury and having surgeries.

Potter, who is assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights, tendered his resignation to the Fiji National Rugby League on Friday to enable officials to begin planning for the 2021 World Cup in England.