Bati rookie hoping for second NRL chance after ref ban

Keresi Maya believed that COVID and a six-year ban had ended his NRL dream but after debuting for Fiji in the Pacific Championships the rookie forward is hoping for a second chance.

Maya, who is the only Fiji-based played in the Bati squad, joined the Sharks in 2020 but was forced to return home after the game was suspended and international borders were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Fiji, he began playing rugby union until receiving a six-year ban for punching a referee – a moment the 24-year-old deeply regrets.

Unable to play, Maya took up refereeing, before returning to rugby league two years ago.

Bati coach Wise Kativerata has taken a personal interest in his progress and after selecting Maya in his squad for last year’s Pacific Championships in Fiji, he handed him a Test debut two weeks ago against Cook Islands.

“I am so proud. I never thought I would get this chance,” Maya told NRL.com.

“It has been very hard for my family because when I was banned there was a lot of attention in the media.

“When I wanted to come back to play my parents were not keen because of that. They just wanted me to become a farmer.

“This is like being given another chance and they are so happy for me. I thank Wise for giving me this opportunity and believing in me.”

Maya played 38 minutes off the interchange in Fiji's 44-24 defeat of Cook Islands, running 56 metres from six carries with the ball and making 21 tackles without miss.

After proving he can match it against the likes of Broncos forward Brendan Piakura and Roosters prop Makahesi Makatoa in the Aitu side, Maya is hoping to receive another opportunity to fulfil his dream of playing in the NRL.

“I started with the Cronulla Sharks in 2020 and then COVID came so I went back,” he said. “I played rugby union in Fiji and I got banned from rugby union for six years.

“I regret what I did and when I was banned from rugby union I studied to become a referee. Knowing how hard it is to be a referee made me regret what I did even more.

“I was not given another chance in rugby union, so I decided to play rugby league.

“I am so grateful to have been given another opportunity, and I still dream of playing in the NRL or Super League.

“I regret missing that opportunity with the Cronulla Sharks, it was a great opportunity and I lost that, but hopefully there will be another chance.

“If I am given another chance by any club, I will take it because that is my dream.”

Kativerata believes Maya can play at a higher level and is supporting his bid to find a club in the NRL or Super League.

“I have been following him for the past two years in Fiji,” Kativerata said. “He got an opportunity at the Cronulla Sharks and then COVID hit so he went back home to the village.

“Then two years ago he started playing rugby league in Fiji. I have been following him since. He took his opportunity and did good for himself.”

Maya has been chosen in the extended squad for Saturday's clash with Papua New Guinea which will determine the winner of the 2025 Pacific Bowl.