REPRESENTING Fiji carries a deeper emotional significance for Vodafone Fiji Bati player Brandon Wakeham, competing in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Named Player of the Match in their opening campaign against the Cook Islands on Sunday, Wakeham delivered when it mattered, finishing the match with 247 kick metres, 12 points and three try assists.
His contribution highlighted his value to the side, with his kicking game and ability to create scoring opportunities playing an important role.
For Wakeham, wearing the national colours carries a weight unlike anything other.
“It just feels a bit more, I guess emotional. So, any chance I get to represent Fiji, I’ll do it with pride,” Wakeham said in a recent interview with ABC Pacific.
When asked about his journey back to playing first grade rugby and the significance of not only representing Fiji but performing at a high level, Wakeham said he was focused on the present.
“Yeah, all that’s behind me,” he said.
“I’m just happy that we’re moving forward and to represent Fiji.”
Beyond the statistics, Wakeham said his faith remained central to his journey and success.
“Firstly, I just have to thank my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All the glory belongs to him and I’m not here without him,” Wakeham said.
His Player of the Match performance was backed by numbers that demonstrated his influence across the game.
His 247 kick metres helped provide territory, while his three try assists showed his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His 12 points further underlined his contribution to the scoreboard.
This year marks Wakeham’s second appearance at the Rugby League World Cup, in the Fijian jersey.
