Walking down the main street of Suva was once a humbling experience for a Fijian rugby league international, Kevin Naiqama admits.
But the Bati captain is confident Fiji players will be turning heads in their rugby-mad home during their 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
There is a buzz around world No.8 Fiji’s Cup chances ahead of their opening clash with the USA in Townsville on Saturday night, especially after NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne’s return.
Naiqama admitted the same couldn’t be said about previous Bati campaigns.
Just ask his older brother, ex-Newcastle Knight Wes.
“When the boys played in the 2008 World Cup we were unknown, no one knew about rugby league (in Fiji),” Naiqama said.
“My brother was vice-captain of the side back then. He was telling stories that he would walk down the street at home and no one recognised him at all.
“Rugby union has a heavy presence in Fiji.”
History shows a red-hot Hayne helped steer Fiji to the 2008 Cup semi-finals.
Then everything changed.
“Wes said when they came home from that World Cup everyone knew them walking down the street,” Naiqama said.
“Rugby league has only really started in 2008 (in Fiji).
“The last nine years it has come along in leaps and bounds.
“There is so much more presence in Fiji, they know all the players when we go back.
“It is real big back home now. Now we hope to help the game grow.”
Fiji are hoping to improve on their semi-final finish at their last two World Cups after the return of Hayne.
“Jarryd adds that bit of X-factor. He raises the expectations more for us but we are not here to make up numbers,” Fiji coach Mick Potter said.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Brad Schneider has survived being binned after a professional foul on Justin Olam, who was almost certain to score.
Penrith were ropeable after a challenge by Aidan Sezer on Brad Schneider wasn't penalised, with the Tigers scoring a couple of plays later, only…
James Tedesco will be free for the next game of the Sydney Roosters' inconsistent NRL campaign after escaping suspension for tripping Ryan Papenhuyzen. The…
Sky Sports commentator Jon Wilkin has criticised the yellow card handed to a shocked Luke Yates, saying it should have just been a penalty.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has said Zac Lomax should be in the discussion when it comes to Origin selection.
Queensland often has the right mix of generational talent, playmaking brilliance and these nuts-and-bolts players that bind them together like glue.
