Semisi Matawalu never dreamt that one day he will watch his son and Vodafone Fiji Bati winger Semi Valemei play at home.

The Navidamu, Macuata, native was grateful that this was possible last weekend.

Matawalu and 14 other immediate family members travelled from Vanua Levu to watch their son play against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Despite the Bati’s 10-22 loss to the Kumuls, Matawalu said he was elated to see Valemei score a try.

“I’ve only watched Semi on TV; I’m blessed that I got to witness my son play for Fiji at home,” he said.

“When he was scouted by coach, Waisake Kativerata to play rugby league in Australia, I never doubted him, I knew that he was going to be great.

“I’m thankful to the coach for giving him that opportunity; it was rewarding for our family especially financially.

“He has done our family and village proud.”

Valemei, 25, covered all the travel and ticket expenses for his family that travelled from his village over the weekend.

Valemei first left home in 2018 while he was student at Seaqaqa Central College; he joined the Caloundra Sharks in Sunshine Coast for one year before he was signed up by the Canberra Raiders Under- 20. A year later, he was named in the 30-member squad for NRL.

He debuted for the Bati in 2019 and made his NRL debut with the Canberra Raiders in 2020; he signed with North Queensland Cowboys last year.

He played 18 games for Cowboys in the 2024 NRL season as they finished fifth on the points table.

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