Promising Fiji Bati lock forward Caleb Navale has been rewarded for his superb 2023 season with a new three-year deal with the Manly Sea Eagles.
Navale, who came through the Manly Pathways program, is now contracted to the Sea Eagles until the end of 2026.
The 20-year-old made his Test debut for Fiji in the Pacific Championships in October in Papua New Guinea following a very strong season for the Sea Eagles where he took out the Jersey Flegg Best and Fairest award.
In his 20 appearances, Navale scored six tries, had a try assist, made five line-breaks and 30 tackle-busts, averaging 108.1 run metres and 27.8 tackles.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold was impressed with what he saw from Navale last year. “Caleb showed his real potential at the Pacific Championships.
He has been spending time training with the NRL squad this pre-season and will spend more during the season,” Seibold said.
“We want to help Caleb achieve his potential. We want to see him compete for a spot in our NSW Cup team this season.”
A player with great leg speed and a big motor, Navale flew the family name again on the international stage, some 23 years after his father, Eparama, represented Fiji at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Navale played all three Tests in the Pacific Championships with an average of 103 run metres and 31 tackles.
He also scored a try in the 43-16 win over Papua New Guinea.