Former Wallabies star 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 an interview on Saturday night.
Kativerata mentioned, “So far we’ve been talking to a lot of players including Mark. He is keen to come on board this year, which is good for his development as a rugby league player.” Nawaqanitawase, who is originally from Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga, has roots in Australia through his mother. He previously played for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific before representing Australia in last year’s Rugby World Cup. Earlier in his athletic career, he also competed for Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, where they were defeated by Fiji in the semi-finals.
On December 7 of last year, it was confirmed that he would join the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL). “Rugby league is a sport where players need to be physically and mentally on point. It is a different code altogether and having Mark come in to play for Fiji Bati is important for his league development,” Kativerata stated.
The Bati will host Papua New Guinea at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 19, followed by a match against the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same venue. This presents a significant opportunity for the Bati to secure the Pacific Bowl and compete in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney, Australia, on November 10.
Kativerata acknowledged the challenges ahead in guiding the Bati towards victory. “Our target this year is about winning. Last year we fell short and the boys know what is required to be in the squad. We are looking to build this team up every year in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” he explained.
He also revealed discussions with key players like Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau, and Viliame Kikau to create a formidable team for the qualifiers. Regarding the halves pairing, he mentioned, “I think Kurt Donohue is there, he played well last year. We got Joe Lovodua who is doing well in the Super League in Europe. I will have to look at the options we have at hand including Jahream Bula.” He considered moving Bula to the #6 position and rotating Sunia Turuva from fullback but noted that Bula’s upcoming marriage might influence this decision.
The team must stay focused to achieve victories against PNG and the Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion-relegation final. The Fiji National Rugby League and Vodafone are set to hold a press conference on Friday to announce the Bati and Fiji Bulikula (national women’s rugby league) teams.
In a community outreach initiative, Kativerata emphasized the team’s commitment to educating children and youth about the dangers of drugs. He expressed concern over declining numbers related to drugs, meth, and HIV. “Our numbers are going down, and we can’t deny the truth,” he said. The Bati plans to visit various communities, including Savusavu and Nadonumai, to promote healthy living and staying away from drugs.