Semisi Matawalu never anticipated that he would have the opportunity to watch his son, Semi Valemei, play for the Vodafone Fiji Bati at home. The resident of Navidamu, Macuata, expressed his gratitude for being able to witness this moment last weekend.
Matawalu, along with 14 family members, made the journey from Vanua Levu to see the match against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Although the Bati lost 10-22 to the Kumuls, Matawalu was thrilled to see Valemei score a try during the game.
“I’ve only seen Semi on television; I feel blessed to have watched my son play for Fiji in person,” he said. “When he was scouted by coach Waisake Kativerata to pursue rugby league in Australia, I had no doubts about his potential, I always knew he would excel.”
Matawalu expressed his gratitude to the coach for providing Valemei with that opportunity, highlighting the positive impact it has had on their family, especially financially. “He has made our family and village proud,” he added.
At 25 years old, Valemei took on all travel and ticket costs for his family’s visit from his village. He left home in 2018 while studying at Seaqaqa Central College, first joining the Caloundra Sharks in Sunshine Coast for a year before signing with 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 his NRL debut with the Canberra Raiders in 2020. He moved to the North Queensland Cowboys last year, contributing to the team by playing 18 games during the 2024 NRL season as they finished fifth on the points table.