Former Wallabies star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to join the Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship in October. This anticipation was shared by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during an interview on Saturday night.
Kativerata mentioned, “So far we’ve been talking to a lot of players including Mark. He is keen to come on board this year, which is good for his development as a rugby league player.” Nawaqanitawase, who hails from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga with his mother being from Australia, previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific competition and represented Australia at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Prior to his switch to rugby league, he competed for Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, where they were defeated by Fiji in the semi-finals. In December of last year, it was announced that he would be joining the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
“Rugby league is a sport where players need to be physically and mentally on point. It is a different code altogether and having Mark join the Fiji Bati is crucial for his league development,” Kativerata stated. The Bati will face Papua New Guinea at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19 and will also play against the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same venue. This tournament is a significant opportunity for the Bati to aim for the Pacific Bowl and secure a spot in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney on November 10.
Kativerata expressed the challenges ahead as he aims to guide the Bati toward victory. “Our target this year is about winning. Last year we fell short and the boys understand what is required to be on the squad. We are looking to strengthen this team every year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”
He has engaged in discussions with prominent players such as Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to form a competitive team for the qualifiers. Regarding the halfback pairing, he mentioned, “I think Kurt Donohue is there; he played well last year. We have Joe Lovodua who is performing well in the Super League in Europe. I will have to consider all options, including Jahream Bula. I contemplated moving Bula to 6 and dropping Sunia Turuva at fullback, but Bula’s wedding coincides with our match against PNG, leaving the door open for Lovodua.”
Kativerata emphasized the importance of focusing on victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion/relegation final. Additionally, Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone will hold a press conference on Friday to announce the Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula (national women’s rugby league) teams.
In a community outreach effort, Kativerata indicated that the team plans to engage with communities nationwide to educate children and young people about the negative impacts of drug use. He expressed concern over the lack of discussion surrounding this critical issue, noting, “Our numbers are decreasing, not only concerning drugs and meth but also HIV. We can’t deny the truth.” The Bati aims to spread a positive message, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and urging youth to stay away from drugs. They will be reaching out to children in areas such as Savusavu, Nadonumai, and Nabua to promote these values.