Semisi Matawalu never imagined he would one day witness his son, Semi Valemei, play at home for the Vodafone Fiji Bati. This dream became a reality last weekend when Matawalu and 14 other family members traveled from Vanua Levu to Suva to see Valemei compete against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium.
Although the Bati lost the match 10-22, Matawalu expressed his joy at seeing Valemei score a try. “I’ve only watched Semi on TV; I’m blessed that I got to witness my son play for Fiji at home,” he remarked. He recalled the moment when coach Waisake Kativerata scouted Valemei for rugby league in Australia, stating he never doubted his son’s potential. “I knew he was going to be great. I’m thankful to the coach for giving him that opportunity; it was rewarding for our family especially financially.”
Valemei, who is 25 years old, took care of all the travel and ticket expenses for his family’s trip. He left his village in 2018 while studying at Seaqaqa Central College, joining the Caloundra Sharks in the Sunshine Coast for one year. He was subsequently signed by the Canberra Raiders Under-20 team, and a year later, he made it to the 30-member squad for the NRL.
Valemei debuted for the Bati in 2019 and made his NRL debut with the Canberra Raiders in 2020. He signed with the North Queensland Cowboys last year, playing 18 games in the 2024 NRL season as the team finished fifth on the points table.