Qareqare proud of Fiji debut

Last Friday marked a standout moment in the young career of Castleford Tigers star Jason Qareqare who made his international debut for his home country of Fiji.

The 18-year-old started the contest against England at the AJ Bell Stadium on the wing and took to the field amongst some of the biggest names in the game from both sides of the globe.

The Three Lions took an impressive 50-0 victory over the sixth placed ranked international side with nine different try scorers crossing for the hosts.

It was announced back in September that the Fords Academy product was to be named in the Fijians 33-man World Cup training squad, a moment that Jason reflects on with fondness.

“I was born in Fiji originally and lived there for about two years and my dad was in the army, so he was posted to a lot of places like Germany, Cyprus, and then we came over to this country when I was about four or five years old.

“I think it was at the end of September when I was called up which was a bit nerve wracking for me initially, but it was a big moment for me and my family. If you would have asked me at the start of the year, I never would have thought I would be in this position. Stuff like this shouldn’t happen considering how early it is in my career but I’m just so grateful.

“Both my mum and dad were over the moon when I told them, and they are both so proud of me. There’s nothing better than seeing your parents proud of you.”

Stepping into camp alongside international rugby league stars as well as NRL Grand Final winners can be a daunting prospect for any young player, however, the Tigers youngster put forward that he was welcomed with open arms and is using the experience to learn all he can from experienced players.

“Kevin (Naiqama) who’s the captain welcomed me into the squad with open arms and so did everyone else. More NRL players started joining us as the camp went on with the likes of Brandon Wakeham and obviously Viliame Kikau who played in the Grand Final came over. It’s my first time being in a camp like this, but it’s been an incredible experience for me.

“To be standing next to Kevin singing the national anthem, someone who won the Harry Sunderland Trophy last year, was a moment I won’t forget for sure. I’ve picked up lots of tips from the NRL players and obviously we have had Brian McDermott as a coach who’s been successful coaching Leeds Rhinos over the years. As a young player you’re always going to make some mistakes, but they have all been quick to pick me up and correct me.

“I’ve loved learning from them and playing at an international level is the top level of the game so I’m just taking in everything I can.”

Prior to the England match getting underway, the Fiji side performed the incredibly unique and moving Noqu Masu hymn. When asked about what is always a memorable moment ahead of games involving Fiji, the outside back mentioned just how much the ritual means to him and his nation.

“The hymn is really important to our culture because our nation has a huge belief in God and a foundation on Christianity. That’s what takes us forward and it was a really special moment before the game. I think the first time I heard it was when Fiji came over for the 2013 World Cup and played against Ireland in a friendly in Rochdale. Ever since I first heard the hymn, I’ve been practicing it in the hope of singing it before playing for my country one day and I achieved that which was a feeling I can’t really explain.”

Despite a disappointing scoreline for his side on Friday night, Qareqare expressed just how much playing against and with some of the biggest names in the sport will positively influence his career moving forward as he continues to train with the squad throughout the World Cup.

“Playing against the best players in Super League was surreal coming up against the likes of Jack Welsby, George Williams, and Kallum Watkins. I’ve been watching Kallum for a while and loved how he plays. It was a weird feeling playing against the country I’ve lived in for so many years, but I enjoyed it a lot.

“Opportunities to test yourself against the best like that don’t come around that often so I’m just taking everything as it comes. I want to learn and take everything into next year at Cas which is the goal at the moment.”

Looking ahead to 2023 with his club side, Jason affirmed that he is relishing the opportunity to play alongside some of the standout new signings that have been announced for next year.

“I can’t wait to get back for Cas and we’ve picked up a few world class players like Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller as well coming in. I’m really excited to hit the ground running again with the Cas boys and hopefully we can do something big this year.”

Join Jason and the Tigers for next year with a 2023 Membership HERE!