Former Vodafone Fiji Bati captain Kevin Ligani Naiqama received a memorable farewell during Saturday night’s Pacific Bowl championship game, marking his last appearance on the field. The Bati team achieved an impressive victory against the Cook Islands, winning 56-6 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva as part of the second round of the Pacific Bowl Championship.
At 35 years old, the native of Nabuna, Koro, in Lomaiviti has expressed his intention to spend more time with his family and reflect on his rugby league journey. Naiqama has represented Fiji in three Rugby League World Cups, captaining two, including the recent 2022 World Cup in England where Fiji faced a close defeat to New Zealand, ending in a 24-18 quarter-final loss. Over his career, he earned 24 caps for the Bati.
Additionally, Naiqama has celebrated victories in three NRL Grand Finals and two Super League titles. He shared that his final weeks in Fiji have been a unique and emotional experience. “I’m really honoured and privileged to represent my country – it was just so fitting to have my last game here in Fiji,” Naiqama stated.
Looking ahead, he plans to consider the aspirations of his wife, Lily, who has supported him throughout his career. He is uncertain about their future plans but aims to align them with her goals. Naiqama praised the team’s efforts, noting that the Bati have a strong chance of winning the Pacific Bowl Championship, contingent upon the outcome of the Cook Islands’ match against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
Since joining the Super League in 2019, Naiqama returned to the NRL in 2022 and later played for Huddersfield, participating in 52 matches since the beginning of 2023. He reflected on the experience of representing Fiji Bati, highlighting the deep familial ties that enhance the significance of playing for the national team. “You need no motivation to get up representing your country. It’s a real easy sort of step to representing your nation,” he remarked.
He was touched by the support from his family, who came from Koro wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his name and image. Over his 14-year career, Naiqama played for several teams including the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, St Helens RLFC, Sydney Roosters, and most recently, the Huddersfield Giants.
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