Former Wallabies star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to join the Fiji Bati squad for the Pacific Championship in October. This was suggested by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during an interview over the weekend.
“We have been in discussions with various players, including Mark,” Kativerata disclosed. “He is enthusiastic about joining us this year, which is beneficial for his growth as a rugby league player.”
Nawaqanitawase, originally from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, has ties to Australia through his mother. He previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific and represented Australia at the last Rugby World Cup. Before transitioning to rugby league, he was part of the Australian team at the Paris Olympic Games, where they were defeated by Fiji in the semi-finals.
On December 7 of last year, it was confirmed that he would sign with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL).
“Rugby league requires players to be physically and mentally sharp,” Kativerata noted. “It is a completely different code, and having Mark on board is significant for his development in league.”
The Fiji Bati are set to host Papua New Guinea at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19 and will face the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same venue. This is a crucial opportunity for the team to win the Pacific Bowl and contend in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney, Australia, on November 10.
Kativerata is aware of the challenges ahead as he aims to guide the Bati towards victory. “Our goal this year is to win. Last year, we didn’t meet our expectations, and the players understand what is necessary to make the squad,” he stated. “We are focused on building this team each year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”
He also mentioned discussions with prominent players like Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to strengthen the team for the qualifiers.
When asked about potential pairing in the halves, Kativerata mentioned, “Kurt Donohue has proven himself last year. Joe Lovodua is doing well in the Super League, so we have various options including Jahream Bula.”
He considered the idea of shifting Bula to the number six position and moving Sunia Turuva to fullback, but noted that Bula’s wedding coincides with the match against PNG, leaving an opportunity for Lovodua.
The coach emphasized the necessity for the team to stay focused to secure victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion relegation final.
In other news, Kativerata announced plans for community outreach initiatives aimed at educating youth about the dangers of drug abuse. He expressed disappointment that these critical issues are often overlooked.
“Our numbers regarding drug use and HIV are declining, which cannot be ignored,” he warned. “The Bati will advocate for healthy living and steer clear of drugs. We will be visiting areas like Savusavu, Nadonumai, and Nabua to share this message with children.”
The Fiji National Rugby League officials, along with Vodafone, are scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday to announce the Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula (women’s national rugby league) teams.