Vodafone Fiji Bati star Kevin Naiqama did not think he was going to play for the Bati again after the Rugby League World Cup in England in 2022, but he was shocked to have got the call-up into the squad for the Pacific Rugby League Bowl Championship.
Naiqama says he did not want to get in the way of the young players coming through as he wants them to develop and get their chances.
He says he felt like his time had passed because he has been representing the Bati for numerous years, but when he got the call, he was definitely shocked.
He adds though he was shocked by the call-up, he is also honoured and privileged to get this opportunity to represent his country again.
The 35-year-old says he does not take playing for Fiji lightly and anytime he gets that opportunity, he always wants to put his best foot forward.
Naiqama says to finally bring back some test matches to Fiji, it hits a different chord for the team and definitely has that sort of army mentality of defending the nation at all costs.
The Bati will take on the PNG Kumuls at 8.10pm this Saturday in round 1 of the Pacific Rugby League Bowl Championship at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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