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Fijian Bati coach Wise Kativerata has revealed how code hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase's rapid rise has paved the way for the next generation of Fijian youngsters to star in the NRL.
The Roosters centre has hit the ground running since transitioning to rugby league late last year and instantly rocketed into Fiji's Pacific Championships calculations.
While he ultimately opted not to feature in the tournament, Nawaqanitawase has attracted a new legion of fans in the Pacific Island nation.
In addition to coaching the national team, Kativerata works in pathways in Fiji and he's hoping the former Wallaby will travel to the island nation during the Roosters bye to inspire the next generation of rugby league players.
From there, Kativerata is confident a pipeline of talent will follow the centre to Australia to play in the NRL.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase Try
"For Fijian rugby league and rugby league itself, it's really good for the game," Kativerata told NRL.com. "For him to come across to Fiji when they have the bye would help with the development of our kids.
"We've got five hubs all over Fiji and everyone already knows Mark Nawaqanitawase from rugby union. To have a bloke like that playing rugby league, this place will go to the next level."
Kativerata's comments come as Nawaqanitawase prepares to represent his Fijian and Italian heritage in this weekend's Multicultural Round.
The centre made his debut in Round 27 last season when the Roosters took on the Rabbitohs and the two teams will resume their century-old rivalry on Friday night.
Nawaqanitawase shocked many in that match and he has progressed significantly in the six months since.
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 5 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Roosters
15th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
While there are plenty of differences between league and union, the 24-year-old said defence has proved the toughest feature to grasp.
"I've had to make a lot of changes in terms of decision making," he said. "Having a lot of plays run on the inside man and myself, with players switching [lines], doing what they can to fool us
"I'm just trying to be comfortable, and as confident as I can in reading whatever the opposition has. That's the biggest change. It happens quite a bit.
"[I'd like to play for Fiji] down the line. Any kind of representative footy that I can play is definitely a goal but first I'm just trying to sort out the season here and do as best as I can here."
Rugby league in Fiji is experiencing rapid growth, with junior participation surging and the Kaiviti Silktails last week registering their first win since joining the NSW Jersey Flegg competition.
While he opted not to feature in last year's Pacific Championships after a hectic season that saw him play for the Waratahs, compete at the Olympics and embark on a mid-year code switch, Nawaqanitawase remains determined to play for Fiji in the future.
Kativerata is only too happy to oblige, the Bati coach thrilled with the centre's rapid development in the 13-player game.
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NRL Best Moments - Round 4
With Fijians around the globe watching closely, Kativerata is confident Nawaqanitawase's rise will leave an impact on communities in Australia, the Pacific and beyond.
"After the Pacific Championships, rugby league is going through the roof here," Kativerata said. "We have more kids playing and there's is so much talent in Fiji.
"We have three hubs in the main island and two on the second biggest island so we can catch kids from 14, 15, 16 years of age and help them learn the culture of rugby league so they can one day play in the NRL.
"Young kids look up to Mark so If we can get him to come across to Fiji, it would be really good for the sport."
