Donning the Vodafone Fiji Bati jersey is more than just representing Fiji for hooker Kurt Donoghoe.

It has strengthened his family ties; he last came to Fiji for a family reunion when he was 12-years-old.

And 12 years later, he plays before them.

The 22-year-old hooker who qualifies to play for the Bati through his paternal grandmother is cherishing every moment of being in Fiji; his grandmother comes from the Thaggard family in Savusavu.

He debuted for the Bati in last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in Papua New Guinea.

“I definitely feel closer to the jersey this year playing in Fiji,” he said.

“I got to meet some family that I’ve never met before, it was pretty cool.

“I got to play in front of them, given my jersey after the game that definitely made me feel a lot closer to Fiji unlike playing in Papua New Guinea last year.

“Playing over here was much more special just seeing that side of the family.”

While Donoghoe has close mates playing for the Cook Islands Aitu, he will put that aside on Saturday.

He is adamant that it will be a tough match.

“I think it’ll be a good game, they gave us a good run last year,” Donoghoe said.

“It’s going to be exciting game and it’ll definitely a close one; I think they’ve been building from last year as well.

“They’re going to have a bit of a strongest side, so they’ll be definitely coming for us especially after the game we had on the weekend.”

The match kicks-off at 8.10pm at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.

Donoghoe signed a one-year contract with the Dolpins, and made his NRL debut in Round 1 of the 2023 season against the Sydney Roosters

He re-signed with the club to the end of 2025 and played a total of 10 matches for the Dolphins in the 2024 NRL season; the club finished 10th on the points table.

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