Former Wallabies star 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 in 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 is originally from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, with his mother hailing from Australia. He previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific and represented Australia in the Rugby World Cup last year. Prior to his transition to rugby league, he competed for Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, where they were defeated by Fiji in the semi-finals. His move to the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL) was announced on December 7 last year.
“Rugby league is a sport that requires players to be physically and mentally sharp. It is a different code altogether, and having Mark participate with the Fiji Bati is crucial for his league development,” Kativerata added.
The Bati is set to host Papua New Guinea at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same venue. These games present a critical opportunity for the Bati to win the Pacific Bowl and compete in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney on November 10.
Kativerata is aware of the significant challenge he faces in leading the Bati to success. “Our target this year is focused on winning. Last year we fell short, and the boys understand what is required to be part of the squad. We want to build this team each year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” he stated.
He has also had discussions with key players such as Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to strengthen the squad for the qualifiers. Regarding the halfback pairing, he mentioned Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua, who is performing well in the Super League, as options. Kativerata is considering moving Jahream Bula to the six position, although Bula’s wedding coincides with the game against PNG, potentially allowing Lovodua to play instead.
The focus will be on securing victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion-relegation final. The Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone are set to hold a press conference on Friday to announce the Bati and Fiji Bulikula (women’s national rugby league) teams.
In addition, Kativerata expressed the team’s commitment to community outreach, targeting education on the negative effects of drugs among youth. He remarked on the decline in awareness regarding pressing issues like drug use and HIV, emphasizing the importance of addressing these topics. The Bati plans to engage with communities, including in Savusavu and areas like Nadonumai and Nabua, to promote healthy living and drug prevention.