Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to join the Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship set for October. This information was shared by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during an interview over the weekend.
“So far, we’ve been speaking with several players including Mark,” Kativerata mentioned. “He is eager to join us this year, which is beneficial for his growth as a rugby league player.”
Nawaqanitawase, who has roots in Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, has family in Australia. He previously played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific league before representing Australia at the Rugby World Cup last year. He also competed for Australia during 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 signing with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL).
“Rugby league demands that players are both physically and mentally prepared. It’s a completely different sport, and having Mark play for Fiji Bati is significant for his development in league,” Kativerata noted.
The Bati will play against 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 presents a crucial opportunity for the Bati to secure the Pacific Bowl and qualify for the promotion/relegation match in Sydney on November 10.
Kativerata acknowledges the challenge ahead in leading the Bati towards victory. “Our goal this year is winning. We didn’t achieve that last year, and the players understand what is needed to secure a spot on the team. We aim to enhance this team every year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” he explained.
He also mentioned discussions with key players like Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to strengthen the squad for the qualifiers. When asked about the pairing in the halves, he said, “Kurt Donohue performed well last year. We have Joe Lovodua, who is progressing in the Super League. I’ll evaluate our options, including Jahream Bula. There’s a consideration to shift Bula to the 6 position while dropping Sunia Turuva to fullback. However, Bula’s wedding coincides with the match against PNG, leaving Lovodua an opportunity.”
He stressed that the team needs to concentrate on securing victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the final.
On another note, Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone will hold a press conference on Friday to announce the teams for the Bati and Fiji Bulikula (the national women’s rugby league).
In addition to the upcoming matches, Kativerata emphasized the team’s intention to engage with communities across the country to educate children and youth about the dangers of drugs. Speaking to SUNsports, he remarked on the sad reality that these urgent issues often go unaddressed.
“Our statistics are declining, not just concerning drugs and meth, but also HIV. We cannot ignore the truth,” he stated.
The Bati plans to promote healthy living and drug awareness, with outreach initiatives heading to places like Savusavu and discussions with children in areas such as Nadonumai and Nabua. “Wherever we go, we will advocate for a drug-free lifestyle and healthy living,” he said.