Jennings was a member of the Kangaroos squad which won the 2013 World Cup and had been expected to play for Tonga after being initially named in thei Mate Ma'a side for May's Pacific Test.
Tonga officials are still hopeful that Jennings will play for their team at the World Cup and described the reports from Fiji as “unconfirmed”, while Eels officials believe he is committed to the Mate Ma’a.
He previously represented Tonga at the 2008 World Cup but is also eligible for the Bati through his grandmother, who is from Rotuma, a Fijian dependency with a population of 2000.
Jennings also has maternal ties to Lautoka and is the nephew of former All Black Arthur Jennings, the first Fijian born player to represent New Zealand in rugby union.
He previously represented Tonga at the 2008 World Cup but is also eligible for the Bati through his grandmother, who is from Rotuma, a Fijian dependency with a population of 2000.
Under new international eligibility rules introduced this year, a player can switch between a Tier 1 country and a Tier 2 nation for whom he also qualifies but not between two countries in the same tier.
However, Jennings did not play in the Pacific Test and the rules aren't retrospective so he remains eligible for the Bati and Naleba said the 29-year-old wanted to play for Fiji at the World Cup.
Under new international eligibility rules introduced this year, a player can switch between a Tier 1 country and a Tier 2 nation for whom he also qualifies but not between two countries in the same tier if he has represented one in the previous four years.
However, Jennings did not play in the Pacific Test and has not represented Tonga since 2008 so he remains eligible for the Bati and Naleba said the 29-year-old wanted to play for Fiji at the World Cup.
"We are always positive that Michael will be in the team. There has been consistent discussion with Michael Potter as well as other coaching staff to actually secure Michael's position.
"Michael is a Rotuman, so he has Fiji at heart and he is going to be the person that the whole of Rotuma and Fiji look to fill in that very important position.
In a separate interview with Fijivillage.com, Naleba said the availability of Jennings may depend on the Eels.
"Then again his confirmation to play may also be determined by the fact that his club has also got some conditions to his contract next year.
"That could be one of the factors he has to consider before actually being involved with the Fiji Bati at this year's World Cup."
The inclusion of Jennings would be a significant boost to Bati's hopes of improving on their semi-final defeats at the past two World Cups and qualifying for the December 2 final in Brisbane.
At his best, Jennings is one of the most potent centres in the NRL and has scored 129 tries in 232 games for Penrith, Sydney Roosters and Parramatta.
He has also played seven Tests for Australia and 18 Origins for NSW.
If he plays for Fiji, he could be reunited with former Test and Origin team-mate Jarryd Hayne, who has declared his interest in again wearing the Bati jersey he previously wore at the 2008 World Cup.
Hayne could play in the halves alongside South Sydney's most capped player John Sutton, allowing Manly’s Api Koroisau to play hooker, with captain Kevin Naiqama at fullback.
The Bati also boast the NRL's leading tryscorer Suliasi Vunivalu and Mandy's Akuila Uate are likely to be the wingers, while Waqa Blake, Taane Milne, Brayden Williame and Sitiveni Moceidreke are other centre options.
Fiji have strong forward depth, with Ashton Sims Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims, Jacob Saifiti, Kane Evans, Eloni Vunakece, Jayson Bukuya, Campbell Reagan-Gillard, Viliame Kikau and Ben Nakabuwai in contention for the World Cup.
Naleba said the final squad would be announced after the Battle of the Bati on October 7 in Suva, which will precede the Tri-Nations at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on October 14 between Fiji, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017
