Defying the odds comes naturally for Caleb Navale, so he holds no fear as his Bati brothers prepare to shake up the World Cup with a semi-final berth on the line against the Kiwis on Saturday.
Coming much closer to the Kangaroos than many thought in Brisbane last Sunday has given the squad an added boost of confidence, with the 23-year-old lock stepping forward as an emerging leader of his pack.
Taking inspiration from his family and the guiding light of iconic Fiji big man Daniel Saifiti, Navale has led the metres and tackle count for his side for an average of more than 70 minutes per game in the opening two matches.
“I was just trying to follow his lead. Last week he was just hitting people (smacks hands together) with his shoulders and I felt like that was something I could improve on instead of just catching (attackers),” Navale said.
“I was just trying to be aggressive more than anything and Saf’s laying a good platform for the boys.
Australia v Fiji Bati, Round 2, 2026
“I think the biggest thing I’m learning from him is he keeps it so simple, it’s just aggression. The game is so simple to him, but that’s why he’s one of the best forwards in the game.”
One could say Navale, who is without an NRL deal for 2028, is simply making the most of an opportunity that could have easily eluded him due to injury.
In February, the Sea Eagles middle suffered a ruptured ACL but worked overtime to fulfil his desire to represent the Bati, returning to NRL in just over six months so he could prove he was worthy.
Caleb Navale Try
“When I was walking out it was a packed stadium… 40,000 just hit me. It was a bit of a pinch-me moment and I just had to take it in for a second,” Navale said.
“I looked around, I couldn’t believe it. I thought about how I started the year and just to get here was a bit of a full-circle moment.
“Especially after going up against Australia, I think I’ll take a lot of confidence out of that and hopefully next week too, going up against New Zealand.
“Those are the two best countries in the world and the fact we’re going toe-to-toe, I can take that into next season and I feel like if I’m matching it with them, I can match it with anyone.”
Navale is now daring to dream of the impact the Bati could have on the people of Fiji should they qualify for the semi-finals, particularly where his parents were raised.
His father Eparama, who played in the 2000 World Cup, hails from Biausevu in the southwest of main island Viti Levu, while mums roots are in the village of Mokani in the southeast.
“They’re big supporters and they were in the crowd [at Suncorp] waving their flags and that, so it was good seeing them,” Navale said.
“I don’t think anyone’s really given us a chance coming into this pool, like they’re saying ‘pool of death’ and what-not and I think we showed we can go toe-to-toe with the best and if we can do it against New Zealand, that would be incredible.”
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