Semisi Matawalu never imagined he would one day see his son, Vodafone Fiji Bati winger Semi Valemei, play at home. Last weekend, that dream came true for the native of Navidamu, Macuata, as he and 14 other family members traveled from Vanua Levu to watch Valemei compete against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Although the Bati suffered a 10-22 defeat to the Kumuls, Matawalu expressed 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 shared. He recalled how Waisake Kativerata, the coach who scouted Valemei, gave him the chance to pursue rugby league in Australia, saying he never doubted his son’s potential.
Matawalu expressed gratitude to the coach for the opportunity that has proven rewarding for their family, both personally and financially. “He has done our family and village proud,” he added.
Valemei, now 25, covered all travel and ticket costs for his family who joined him for the weekend match. He left home in 2018, while still a student at Seaqaqa Central College, to join the Caloundra Sharks in Sunshine Coast for a year before being signed by the Canberra Raiders Under-20 team. A year later, 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 game 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.