Former Vodafone Fiji Bati captain Kevin Ligani Naiqama received a remarkable farewell during Saturday night’s Pacific Bowl championship game, which marked the conclusion of his playing career. The Bati team dominated the Cook Islands with a score of 56-6 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, in the second round of the Pacific Bowl Championship.
At 35 years old and hailing from Nabuna, Koro in Lomaiviti, Naiqama plans to spend quality time with his family and reflect on his extensive rugby league career. Throughout his time as a player, he represented Fiji in three Rugby League World Cups, captaining two of them, including the 2022 World Cup in England, where they were defeated by New Zealand in the quarter-finals. He earned 24 caps for the Bati and celebrated three NRL Grand Final wins and two Super League titles.
Naiqama expressed that the past two weeks spent in Fiji have been uniquely emotional and fulfilling. “I’m really honoured and privileged to represent my country – it was just so fitting to have my last game here in Fiji,” he shared. He also mentioned plans to support his wife, Lily, as they decide on their next steps together.
He praised his team’s performance and noted that the Bati is well positioned for success in the Pacific Bowl Championship, dependent on the outcome of the Cook Islands’ game against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Having played in the Super League since 2019 and returning to the NRL in 2022, Naiqama joined the Huddersfield Giants in 2023, where he has played 52 matches. He reflected on the deep connection he felt representing Fiji Bati, emphasizing that the bond among players is unique as it ties back to their heritage.
Naiqama was touched to see his family from Koro proudly wearing T-shirts with his name and image printed on them. Over his 14-year career, he played for various teams including the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, St Helens RLFC, Sydney Roosters, and most recently the Huddersfield Giants.
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