Rugby union may be the national sport of Fiji but rugby league is quickly becoming just as popular around the island nation.
That is according to Vodafone Fiji Bati captain Kevin Naiqama who has seen firsthand rugby league's rapid rise in popularity over a relatively short time span.
Naiqama, who has played 12 Tests for the Bati, believes the turning point came in 2008 when Fiji travelled to the World Cup in Australia and put together their best ever finish.
The Bati made the semi‑finals of that tournament, following it up with another semifinal showing in 2013, and based on their 58‑12 demolition of the USA in Week 1 of this year's World Cup, a third semifinal appearance in a row is very much a possibility.
This continued success has seen the profile of the sport continue to grow, and there are now plans for a Fijian side to enter the NSW Cup in 2019.
Kevin, who often sheds tears during the national anthem of Fiji, believes playing for the Bati is about doing your family, country and heritage proud.
Kevin is set to feature prominently when Fiji take on Wales in their second match of the World Cup at 9.30pm Sunday.
A win at Townsville Stadium on Sunday would see the Bati take a stronghold of the top position in Group D.
Source: nrl.com
