Vodafone Fiji Bati winger Sunia Turuva says wearing the Bati jersey is a reminder that he is not just playing for himself and his family, but also representing Fijians at home and around the world.
He says representing Fiji has been a humbling experience, knowing that young players back home dream of having the same opportunity.
Turuva debuted for the Bati in 2022 before playing his first NRL game, something he had not expected when setting his goals at the beginning of that year.
The winger says his original goal was simply to make the Fiji squad and travel to the Rugby League World Cup, but he was selected for the mid-year Test and given the opportunity to represent his country earlier than expected.
He says sharing the news with his family was a special moment, particularly as his older brother was excited to tell everyone about his selection.
Turuva says the strong bond within the Bati camp also makes representing his country different from playing at club level.
He says the players begin and end each day with devotions and spend much of their free time together drinking tea, playing the guitar and singing Fijian hymns.
Turuva says these moments strengthen the bond between the players and remind them of the responsibility that comes with wearing the Fiji jersey.
He says knowing that Fijians around the world are watching motivates the players to give their best and never take the opportunity to represent their country for granted.
Turuva has been named in the Fiji Bati squad for their Rugby League World Cup campaign.
The Bati will begin their World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands at 5.05pm this Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
They will then face Australia at 9.05pm on the 25th of this month before taking on New Zealand at 4.30pm on the 31st.
Source:ABC Pacific
