Fiji [Oceania], October 30: For Caleb Navale, the dream of representing Fiji on rugby league's biggest stage has always been bigger than the game itself.
Inspired by his family and driven by the example of fellow forward Daniel Saifiti, Navale is determined to make every moment count as the Vodafone Fiji Bati chase a semifinal spot at the Rugby League World Cup.
The 23-year-old lock has emerged as a key figure in Fiji's forward pack, leading the way in metres gained and tackles while averaging more than 70 minutes on the field in the opening two matches. Much of that influence comes from watching Daniel Saifiti, whose aggression and simplicity have helped shape Navale's approach to the game.
Daniel's twin brother, Jacob Saifiti, is also part of the current Bati squad, giving Navale another powerful forward to learn from during the campaign.
"I was just trying to follow his lead. Last week he was just hitting people with his shoulders, and I felt like that was something I could improve on instead of just catching attackers. 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."
Navale's rise has been anything but straightforward.
A ruptured ACL in February threatened to derail his season and his hopes of wearing the Bati jersey.
But the Manly Sea Eagles middle worked tirelessly through rehabilitation, returning to the NRL in just over six months to prove he was ready for the challenge.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
