Former Wallabies star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is tipped to make the Fiji Bati squad for the Pacific Championship in October.

This was hinted to SUNsports by Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata during an interview on Saturday night.

“So far we’ve been talking to a lot of players including Mark,” Kativerata said.

“He is keen to come on board this year, which is good for his development as a rugby league player.”

Nawaqanitawase originally hails Nalebaleba, Bemana in Nadroga with his mum from Australia. He played for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific competition before representing Australia at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Before switching to rugby league, Nawaqanitawase played for Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, where they lost to Fiji in the semi-final.

On December 7, last year it was announced that he would join the Sydney Roosters in the NRL (National Rugby League).

“Rugby league is a sport where players need to be physically and mentally on point.

“It is a different code altogether and for having Mark to come in and play for Fiji Bati is important for his league development,” Kativerata said.

The Bati hosts Papua New Guinea at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, on October 19 and also against the Cook Islands on October 26 at the same venue. This is an opportune time for the Bati to win the Pacific Bowl and play in the promotion/relegation match in Sydney, Australia, on November 10.

Kativerata knows he has a big task ahead of the competition to try and steer the Bati to winning ways.

“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 said.

Kativerata indicated that he had talks with top players like Tui Kamikamica, Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau to bolster a strong side for the qualifiers.

When asked about who will pair up in the halves, he said: “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.

“I was thinking of moving Bula at 6 and dropping Sunia Turuva at fullback. But Bula is getting married on the date that we will face PNG which leaves the door open for Lovodua.”

He said the team would have to be focused to get the win against PNG and Cook Islands to qualify for the promotion relegation final.

The Fiji National Rugby League officials and Vodafone are holding a press conference on Friday to announce the Bati and Fiji Bulikula (national women’s rugby league) teams.

Community outreach 

Meanwhile, Kativerata said the team would be reaching out to communities around the country to educate children and young people about the bad influence of drugs.

Speaking to SUNsports, he said its sad people don’t talk about these pressing issues.

“Our numbers are going down, not only in drugs and meth but HIV also. We can’t deny the truth,” he said.

He said the Bati would be here to preach what’s right and speak the truth.

“We are going to Savusavu to talk to the children including those at Nadonumai and Nabua. Everywhere we go, we will preach about staying away from drugs and for them to take-up healthy living,” he added.

Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj