Former Fiji Bati steelman Eloni Vunakece is making his name outside rugby league.
He is the lone Fijian competitor in the Australian Ninja Warrior which is a sports entertainment competition that is televised weekly in Australia, and Fiji on Fiji One.
The former NRL Roosters and Fiji Bati prop, now 33, known as the ‘Garbo man’ in Australia because of his work, retired in September 2018 for medical reasons.
He competed in the Australian Ninja Warrior’s Season 3 and lost in the semi-finals of Season 4.
Fiji National Rugby League acting chief executive officer Don Natabe said Vunakece’s participation had promoted Fiji and Fiji rugby league to new heights. “We are really proud of how Eloni has continued to excel in other sporting activities and other areas.
“He has been one of our exemplary players who is a role model to our young generation,” Natabe said.
“It is surprising that he continues to make his mark because he is respected and one of the most supportive former players of the Fiji Bati, who continues to contact us to give advice, offer help and encourage us in what we are doing.
“It is really good to see Eloni extending his talents to other areas.”- Natabe said Vunakece had offered to help the Fiji Bati squad to the deferred Rugby League World Cup in England next October.
