Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to join the Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship in October. This was suggested by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during a recent interview.
Kativerata stated, “We’ve been in discussions with many players, including Mark. He is eager to join us this year, which is beneficial for his growth as a rugby league player.” Nawaqanitawase hails from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, with his mother being Australian. He previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific competition and represented Australia in last year’s Rugby World Cup. Before his transition to rugby league, he competed for Australia in the Paris Olympic Games, where the team was defeated by Fiji in the semi-finals. In December of last year, it was announced that he would join the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Kativerata emphasized the physical and mental demands of rugby league, stating, “It’s a completely different code, and having Mark on the team will significantly contribute to his development in league.”
The Fiji Bati will host Papua New Guinea on October 19 and the Cook Islands on October 26 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for the Bati to win the Pacific Bowl and secure their place in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney, Australia, on November 10.
Kativerata acknowledged the challenges ahead, aiming for victory this year after last year’s disappointing performance. He highlighted the importance of player performance and team development in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
In addition to Nawaqanitawase, Kativerata is in talks with top players like Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to strengthen the team for the qualifiers. When discussing potential pairings in the halves, he mentioned Kurt Donohue and highlighted Joe Lovodua’s performance in the Super League as a valuable option. However, plans may shift due to personal commitments affecting Jahream Bula.
To ensure success against Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, Kativerata stressed the need for team focus. He also indicated that the Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone would hold a press conference on Friday to announce the Bati team as well as Fiji Bulikula, the national women’s rugby league team.
In a related community initiative, Kativerata explained that the team would engage with communities nationwide to raise awareness among children and youth about the dangers of drug use. He expressed concern over the rising numbers related to drug abuse and HIV and emphasized the need for discussions on these critical issues. “We will travel to places like Savusavu and speak to children, including those in Nadonumai and Nabua, promoting healthy living and abstaining from drugs,” he noted.