Semisi Matawalu never imagined he would one day see his son, Semi Valemei, play at home for the Vodafone Fiji Bati. Last weekend, this dream became a reality for the Navidamu, Macuata native, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
Matawalu, along with 14 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 lost the match 10-22, Matawalu was thrilled to witness his son score a try.
“I’ve only seen Semi on TV; I feel blessed to have seen him play for Fiji at home,” he remarked. “When coach Waisake Kativerata scouted him to play rugby league in Australia, I never had any doubts. I knew he was destined for greatness.”
Matawalu expressed his gratitude to Kativerata for providing the opportunity, noting that it has been rewarding for their family, particularly from a financial standpoint. “He has made our family and village proud,” he added.
Valemei, now 25, paid for all travel and ticket expenses for his family to attend the game. He left home in 2018 while studying at Seaqaqa Central College, joining the Caloundra Sharks in Sunshine Coast for one year before signing with the Canberra Raiders Under-20 team. The following year, he was selected for the 30-member squad for the NRL.
He made his debut for the Bati in 2019 and played his first NRL game with the Canberra Raiders in 2020, later signing with the North Queensland Cowboys last year. In the 2024 NRL season, he participated in 18 games as the Cowboys finished fifth on the points table.