Six months ago, Caleb Navale thought his Rugby League World Cup dream was over.
A ruptured ACL during Manly's pre-season left the the 23-year-old lock fearing he would miss the biggest moment of his career so far, representing Fiji on the game's ultimate stage.
Now, after defying the odds with a remarkable return to the NRL just six months and three days after the training mishap, Navale has put himself firmly back in the frame for this year's World Cup.
“I set myself that goal when I was watching the last World Cup,” Navale told NRL.com.
“I was pretty devastated at the time, thinking I'd miss out on it.”
Caleb Navale Try
Instead, his comeback has felt like something out of a movie.
After months of rehabilitation, Navale returned in Round 25 against Newcastle, helping Manly snap a six-game losing streak and capping the afternoon with a try in his first game back.
“It was like a fairytale game for myself,” he said. “I'd been thinking about it for a while when it happened in pre-season.
"Just how it unfolded, coming off six losses, Saturday afternoon, scoring a try in my comeback game ... it was awesome.”
The comeback has reignited a dream that started long before he reached the NRL.
Watching the Rugby League World Cup as a young fan, Navale promised himself he would get there one day.
“Watching it when I was younger, I always dreamt of playing in one,” he said.
“It's becoming a reality very soon, which is amazing.
“Seeing all the boys like Tui (Kamikamica) and (Viliame) Kikau, and seeing how much it means to them coming from that little island in the middle of the Pacific, it's hard to put into words how much it means to my family and everyone.”
Match: Fiji v Cook Islands
Round 1 -
home Team
Fiji
away Team
Cook Islands
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Representing Fiji has always carried extra meaning for Navale.
He made his international debut during the 2023 Pacific Championships, but wearing the Bati jersey brings back his connection to family.
His father, Eparama, also represented Fiji at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, creating a bond few father-and-son combinations get to share.
“Not many people can say they and their dad have represented the same country," Caleb said.
“When you're doing it for your country and your family, it's just different.”
The Bati open their World Cup campaign against Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 before meeting the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium on October 25 and the Kiwis at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31.
Match: Australia v Fiji
Round 2 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
Fiji
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Growing up, rugby league was never far from home, and neither was his father's advice.
Even now, as Navale chases a place in Fiji's World Cup squad, the message hasn't changed.
“The main message is to back my instinct,” he said.
“There's a reason I'm here and there's a reason I've got this far.
“Don't overthink it too much - he’s always drilled that into me.”
Match: New Zealand v Fiji
Round 3 -
home Team
New Zealand
away Team
Fiji
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
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