Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to be included in the Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship in October. This was suggested by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during an interview on Saturday evening.
“So far we’ve been talking to a lot of players including Mark,” Kativerata stated. “He is eager to join this year, which is beneficial for his development as a rugby league player.”
Nawaqanitawase, originally from Nalebaleba in Nadroga, has Australian roots through his mother. He previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific competition and represented Australia at the last year’s Rugby World Cup. Prior to switching to rugby league, he competed for Australia in the Paris Olympic Games, where they suffered a semi-final defeat to Fiji.
In December 2022, it was confirmed that he would sign with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL).
“Rugby league demands that players be both physically and mentally sharp. It is a completely different code, and having Mark join Fiji Bati is crucial for his league growth,” Kativerata remarked.
The Bati will host Papua New Guinea at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19 and will also face the Cook Islands at the same venue on October 26. This presents a significant opportunity for the Bati to secure the Pacific Bowl and earn a spot in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney on November 10.
Kativerata acknowledges the challenges ahead as he aims to guide the Bati towards success. “Our goal this year is clear: we want to win. Last year we fell short, and the players understand what is necessary to secure a spot on the team.”
He is also in discussions with prominent players such as Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to strengthen the squad for the qualifiers. When inquired about potential pairings in the halves, he mentioned, “I think Kurt Donohue is a strong option; he performed well last year. We also have Joe Lovodua excelling in the Super League. I’ll be exploring all options, including Jahream Bula.”
Kativerata contemplated shifting Bula to the number six position, potentially sidelining Sunia Turuva at fullback, but noted that Bula’s upcoming wedding on the same date as the game against PNG could create space for Lovodua to step in. The team will need to maintain focus to secure victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion/relegation final.
On a community outreach note, Kativerata shared plans for the team to engage with local communities to educate youth about the dangers of drugs. He expressed concern that these pressing issues are often overlooked. “Our numbers are decreasing, not only concerning drugs and meth but also HIV. We cannot ignore this reality,” he stated.
The Fiji Bati will be promoting healthy living and steering children away from drugs. “We will visit places like Savusavu, Nadonumai, and Nabua, spreading the message about the importance of avoiding drugs and embracing a healthy lifestyle,” he added.
A press conference is scheduled for Friday, where Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone will announce the Bati and Fiji Bulikula (national women’s rugby league) teams.