TWO Republic of Fiji Military Force teams – both men and women’s – will chase the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) Vodafone Cup titles at Churchill Park this Saturday, but for Esita Batiniqila she will experience the occasion from both sides. Batiniqila who plays forward women’s Army Bears and also manages the men’s — Navy Albatross.
The Army Bears will line up against Namoli West Tigers in the FNRL Vodafone Cup Women’s final, capping a remarkable first season in rugby league.
For Batiniqila, Saturday is not simply about watching two military teams fight for national honours. It is about playing a part in one final before turning her attention to the other.
That unusual double reflects the journey she has taken through her first season. Coming from a rugby union background, Batiniqila entered the Army Bears campaign having to adjust quickly to the demands of the game.
As a middle forward, the No. 8 has had to become comfortable with the repeated carries, defensive efforts and physical battles that can test a player deep into a match.
Her development has come alongside the Army Bears’ own growth. The debutants lost their opening two matches as they found their footing in a competition that offered little room for adjustment. But those defeats did not define their campaign. The Army Bears responded, built confidence and reached the semifinal with an opportunity to turn their debut season into something bigger.
A 28-14 victory over defending champions Police Sharks sent the newcomers into Saturday’s national final and provided their clearest evidence yet of how far they had come.
“We have come this far. It wasn’t easy,” Batiniqila said.
The semifinal demanded the kind of work expected from the middle, where the hard carries and defensive efforts often continue long after the big plays have attracted attention.
Now comes the biggest test. Namoli West Tigers stand between the Army Bears and the national title, with the debutants having 80 minutes to complete a journey that began with two early defeats.
For Batiniqila, her involvement in rugby league has extended beyond playing for the Army Bears.
Since April, she has also worked with Navy Albatross as a communications officer and team manager, giving her a different perspective of the sport. Her Navy role has taken her into the preparation and organisation behind the playing group, allowing her to see how another military team approaches its campaign.
“Whenever they play, it’s a different game rhythm altogether. It’s a different battle rhythm,” she said.
She has also encouraged her Army Bears teammates to watch the Navy players and learn from their approach.
“I’ve always told them, learn from the boys,” she said.
That advice will carry extra meaning on Saturday. Navy Albatross booked their place in the men’s final with a 44-10 semifinal victory over Army Bears, setting up their clash with Saru Dragons. Batiniqila will therefore move between two national finals and two responsibilities.
But the order matters. First comes the Army Bears. Their semifinal victory has already given the debutants a chance to compete for a national title. Now Batiniqila and her teammates must turn the lessons of their first season into a performance capable of taking them one step further.
Only after that will she turn her attention to Navy. For a player who entered rugby league still learning the code, it is an extraordinary way to close her first season.
Two military teams, two national finals and for Batiniqila, one very demanding Saturday.
