Wearing the Vodafone Fiji Bati jersey means much more than just representing Fiji for hooker Kurt Donoghoe. It has reinforced his family connections, as he last visited Fiji for a family reunion when he was just 12 years old. Now, 12 years later, he has the opportunity to play in front of them.
The 22-year-old, who qualifies to represent the Bati through his paternal grandmother from the Thaggard family in Savusavu, is relishing every moment spent in Fiji. Donoghoe made his debut for the Bati in last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship held in Papua New Guinea.
“I definitely feel closer to the jersey this year playing in Fiji,” he expressed. “I got to meet some family members I’ve never met before, which was pretty cool. Playing in front of them and receiving my jersey after the game made me feel much more connected to Fiji compared to my experience in Papua New Guinea last year. This time, it’s been really special to see that side of the family.”
While he has close friends on the Cook Islands Aitu team, Donoghoe is prepared to put that aside for their upcoming match on Saturday, which he acknowledges will be challenging.
“I think it’ll be a good game; they gave us a solid challenge last year,” Donoghoe noted. “It’s going to be an exciting match, and I expect it to be a close one. They’ve been improving since last year and should have a stronger side, especially after the game we had last weekend.”
The match is set to kick off at 8:10 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Additionally, Donoghoe recently signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins and made his NRL debut in Round 1 of the 2023 season against the Sydney Roosters. He has since re-signed with the club until the end of 2025, playing a total of 10 matches for the Dolphins during the 2024 NRL season, where the club finished 10th on the points table.