Twenty-six years after his father Eparama Navale represented Fiji at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, 23-year-old Caleb Navale is preparing to follow in his footsteps as the Vodafone Fiji Bati take on the Cook Islands in their World Cup opener this afternoon.
For Navale, wearing the Fiji jersey carries special meaning, as he shares a rare father-and-son bond through representing their country on rugby league's biggest stage.
Navale told NRL.com that not many people can say they and their father have represented the same country, adding that playing for Fiji and his family makes the experience even more special.
However, his World Cup dream nearly ended six months ago when he suffered a ruptured ACL during Manly's pre-season.
The injury left him devastated and fearing he would miss the opportunity to represent Fiji at the tournament.
After months of rehabilitation, Navale made a remarkable comeback to the NRL just six months and three days after suffering the injury.
He marked his return in Round 25 against Newcastle with a try, helping Manly end a six-game losing streak.
Navale described his comeback as a fairytale, saying he had always dreamed of playing at a Rugby League World Cup after watching the tournament when he was younger.
He says his father has continued to guide him throughout his rugby league journey, always reminding him to trust his instincts and not overthink things.
Navale says watching senior Fiji players such as Tui Kamikamica and Viliame Kikau represent their country has also shown him how much the national jersey means to their families and the people of Fiji.
The Fiji Bati will face the Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle at 5.05pm today.
They will then take on Australia on 25th October before facing New Zealand on 31st October.
