Former Wallabies fly-half Mark Nawaqanitawase is expected to join the Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship in October. This update was shared by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata in an interview on Saturday evening.
Kativerata mentioned that discussions with various players, including Nawaqanitawase, have been taking place. He noted, “He is eager to join us this year, which is beneficial for his growth as a rugby league player.”
Nawaqanitawase, who hails from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, has connections to Australia through his mother. He previously played for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific and turned out for Australia at the Rugby World Cup last year. Before his transition to rugby league, he represented Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, where the team faced defeat against Fiji in the semi-finals. In December of last year, it was confirmed that he would sign with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL).
“Rugby league requires players to be both physically and mentally prepared. It’s a different sport entirely, and having Mark join the Fiji Bati will significantly enhance his development in league,” Kativerata commented.
The Bati will host Papua New Guinea at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same location. This presents a significant opportunity for the Bati to claim the Pacific Bowl and compete for a promotion/relegation match in Sydney, Australia on November 10.
Kativerata is aware of the challenges ahead as he aims to lead the Bati to victory. He stated, “Our goal this year is to win. We fell short last year, and the players understand what is needed to make the squad. We strive to strengthen the team each year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”
He has been in communication with prominent players such as Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to create a formidable lineup for the qualifiers. When discussing potential pairings in the halves, he mentioned Kurt Donohue, who performed well last year, and Joe Lovodua, who is excelling in the Super League in Europe. He also considered shifting Jahream Bula to the number 6 position, although Bula’s wedding coincides with the match against PNG, possibly allowing Lovodua to step in.
Kativerata emphasized the necessity of maintaining focus to secure victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion and relegation final.
Additionally, Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone are set to hold a press conference on Friday to announce both the Bati and the Fiji Bulikula teams, which represent the national women’s rugby league.
In community outreach efforts, Kativerata expressed the team’s commitment to educating children and young adults about the dangers of drug use. He voiced concern about the rising issues, stating, “Our figures are declining, not just in regard to drugs and meth but also HIV. We cannot ignore this reality.”
The team plans to visit various communities, including Savusavu and schools in Nadonumai and Nabua, to promote a message of healthy living and drug abstention.