Fiji Bati player Caleb Navale says wearing the national jersey brings him a special sense of pride as it represents his culture, family and everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.
The Manly Sea Eagles player says it is difficult to put into words what wearing the Fiji Bati jersey means to him, as the feeling is different from wearing any other jersey.
Navale says the support from his family, fans and the Fijian community makes representing the country even more special.
With the Rugby League World Cup approaching, Navale says it feels surreal to finally be preparing for a tournament he has been thinking about for the past four years.
He says the players are excited and ready to begin their World Cup campaign.
Navale says preparations have been going well since the team arrived in Fiji on Monday.
He says several players are visiting Fiji for the first time and have enjoyed exploring the country and meeting people through the team's community activities.
Navale has also thanked supporters for the messages of encouragement the Fiji Bati have already received.
He says the players hear the messages of support, which mean a lot to the team as they prepare for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Rugby League World Cup gets underway next Thursday, with Australia facing New Zealand in the opening match at 9.05pm.
The Fiji Bati will open their campaign against the Cook Islands next Sunday at 5.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
They will then take on Australia on the 25th at 9.05pm before wrapping up their pool matches against New Zealand on the 31st at 4.30pm.
