Keresi Maya, a promising athlete from Fiji, has made notable advancements in his rugby league career by securing a spot in the Vodafone Fiji Bati extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships. At just 24 years old, this former Naitasiri under-20 rugby representative is making waves as the sole locally-based player among the 25 members of the squad, demonstrating the promising potential of Fiji’s domestic rugby league pathways.
Maya’s journey to this significant milestone has been paved with determination and hard work. Transitioning from Rugby Union to rugby league in 2020, he has shown significant growth and excellence in his new sport. He expressed gratitude for this opportunity, emphasizing, “I like to thank the almighty for giving me this opportunity. I have really worked hard through the past months, and hearing my name being selected is something special for me.”
Beginning his career with the Nabua Broncos, Maya further honed his skills while playing for the Navy Albatross team, where he showcased his talent on the field. His relentless dedication has played a key role in earning him a place in the national squad.
The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has also noted some absences within the Fiji Bati squad due to personal commitments and injuries. Notably, Viliame Kikau will miss the campaign due to family reasons, and Maika Sivo has been sidelined with an injury.
The squad boasts other significant players, including Jahream Bula from Wests Tigers, Semi Valemei from North Queensland Cowboys, Sunia Turuva of Wests Tigers, and Tui Kamikamica from Melbourne Storm. As preparations for the Pacific Championships continue, a final selection of a 20-player squad will be announced soon.
The Fiji Bati is set to compete against Cook Islands Aitu on October 18 at Santos National Football Stadium, with a subsequent match against Papua New Guinea Kumuls on November 1. This championship presents a crucial opportunity for the selected players and highlights the growing prominence of Fiji’s rugby league talent on an international platform.
As Maya prepares to represent his country, his journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, inspiring countless aspiring athletes across Fiji. With events on the horizon, the spotlight will shine brightly on Fiji’s rugby league capabilities, promising an exciting future for its talented players.