Defying the odds comes naturally to Caleb Navale, who holds no fear as his Vodafone Fiji Bati brothers prepare to shake up the Rugby League World Cup, with a semi-final berth on the line against the Kiwis this afternoon.
Coming much closer to the Kangaroos than many expected in Brisbane last Sunday has given the squad an added boost of confidence, with the 23-year-old lock stepping forward as an emerging leader of his pack.
Taking inspiration from his family and the guiding light of iconic Fiji big man Daniel Saifiti, Navale has led his side in metres gained and tackles made, while averaging more than 70 minutes per game in the opening two matches.
One could say Navale, who is without an NRL deal for 2028, is simply making the most of an opportunity that could have easily eluded him due to injury.
In February, the Sea Eagles middle suffered a ruptured ACL but worked overtime to fulfil his desire to represent the Bati, returning to the NRL in just over six months so he could prove he was worthy.
Navale is now daring to dream of the impact the Bati could have on the people of Fiji should they qualify for the semi-finals, particularly in the communities where his parents were raised.
His father, Eparama, who played in the 2000 World Cup, hails from Biausevu in the southwest of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, while his mum's roots are in the village of Mokani in the southeast.
Navale says his parents are big supporters, and they were in the crowd waving their flags, which was so good to see.
He says that going into the pool matches, people were calling it the "pool of death" and what-not, but he thinks they showed what they can do when they go toe-to-toe with the best.
He adds that if they can do it against New Zealand, that would be incredible.
The Fiji Bati will meet the Kiwis at 4.30pm this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Bulikula will face France at 2.20pm today for a place in the semi-finals.
Source: NRL
