Semisi Matawalu never imagined that he would one day watch his son, Vodafone Fiji Bati winger Semi Valemei, compete at home. The native of Navidamu, Macuata, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity that arose last weekend.
Matawalu, along with 14 family members, made the journey from Vanua Levu to witness his son play against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Although the Fiji Bati lost 10-22 to the Kumuls, Matawalu felt a deep joy seeing Valemei score a try.
“I have only seen Semi on TV; I’m blessed to have watched him play for Fiji at home,” he stated. “When he was selected by coach Waisake Kativerata to play rugby league in Australia, I never doubted him; I knew he would excel. I am grateful to the coach for providing him that opportunity, and it has been rewarding for our family, particularly financially. He has made our family and village proud.”
Valemei, 25, took care of all the travel and ticket costs for his family to attend the game last weekend. He left home for the first time in 2018 while studying at Seaqaqa Central College. He spent a year with the Caloundra Sharks in Sunshine Coast before being signed by the Canberra Raiders Under-20 team. The following year, he was included in the 30-member squad for the NRL.
Valemei made his debut for the Bati in 2019 and played his first NRL match with the Canberra Raiders in 2020. Last year, he joined the North Queensland Cowboys, participating in 18 games during the 2024 NRL season as the team finished fifth in the standings.