September 26, 2009
“I’ve made it!” says ex-Labasa resident – article courtesy of Fiji Sun

He has been with the Australian Fijians and has gone as far as the World Cup qualifiers.

But Hamilton Hughes kept on going until he made the Vodafone Fiji Bati team for the Pacific Cup.

Hughes was born in Labasa and just at the tender age of seven, his family migrated to Australia.

He has been playing rugby league for about five years now and has toured with the Australian Fijians many times.

However, his last tour to Fiji was in 2005.

But now making the team for the Pacific Cup, Hughes plans to make it big in the tournament.

“I played with the Bati in the qualifiers alongside Iowane (Divavesi), Pate (Alipate Tani) Jone Wesele and Wes (Naiqama).”

“However I missed out last year because I had a knee injury and I missed the final trials,” he said.

From then on, Hughes made plans to stage a comeback and that led to the announcement of his name on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old helped the Bati side reached the World Cup and now he is here to help them make the Four Nations competition.

He has never been to Vanua Levu since they left for Australia and he plans to go there after representing Fiji in Papua New Guinea.

“I plan to go soon but I want to play to my best potential and represent Fiji as we try to make the Four Nations.”

He said he wasn't expecting to make the side but was thankful that the selectors saw what he could offer.

“I want to thank the Australian Fijians side especially the coaching staff and selectors for this opportunity.”

Hughes is currently at camp with the Bati side at the Tanoa Plaza hotel in Suva.