As Kevin Naiqama reflects on his remarkable 15-year international rugby career with the Vodafone Fiji Bati, he expresses confidence in the team’s future prospects, particularly looking ahead to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in England. Anticipating his last match in Fiji, Naiqama participated in a compelling farewell game against the Cook Islands, which ended in a decisive 56-6 victory for the Fijian side. His teammates were determined to honor him, especially with a large contingent of his family present in the stands at Suva’s HFC Stadium.
In the Pacific Championships, the Bati faced a challenging start, suffering a 22-10 loss to Papua New Guinea. They now find themselves in a position where they must rely on Aitu to upset Papua New Guinea to qualify for a play-off against the third-placed team from the Cup competition. However, Naiqama remains optimistic about the team’s future, citing the growth and development of young talent in the NRL, which bodes well for Fiji’s rugby league heritage.
Reflecting on his debut in 2009, when only two players in the squad had NRL experience, Naiqama noted the significant increase in talent and competitiveness within the team. “I feel like it’s only going to get better,” he asserted regarding the future potential of the Bati, especially in World Cup performances.
Bati captain Tui Kamikamica, who took over the captaincy from Naiqama after the last World Cup, highlighted the respect Naiqama earned from his teammates, emphasizing their commitment to send him off in the fitting manner he deserved. During his farewell, Naiqama expressed his deep pride in representing Fiji, calling it an honor to play for his family and ancestry, which provides a unique motivation and bond akin to no other sport.
An emotional Naiqama was surprised and overwhelmed to see so many family members in attendance, further underscoring the deep personal connection he feels to his heritage and the sport. “I was quite taken aback. I shed tears when I was with them, so it was pretty emotional,” he noted.
This final match not only marked the end of an era for Naiqama but also shed light on a promising future for Fiji Rugby League. As the team continues to nurture young talent, they remain a formidable force to watch in upcoming international competitions.
In summary, Naiqama’s career leaves behind a legacy of dedication and performance, inspiring the next generation of Fijian rugby league players. With such strong foundations being laid, the coming years could prove exciting as Fiji aims for glory in future tournaments.
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