There’s something mesmerising about hearing the Fiji Bati team sing the “Noqu Masu” before a game.
For those who haven’t experienced it, “Noqu Masu” translates as “My Prayer,” and it’s exactly that—a prayer, a moment of praise, and a grounding force. When 17-plus men stand side by side, singing their traditional hymn with all they have—it’s nothing short of powerful.
The stadium goes silent, anticipation builds, and you can feel the reverence in the air. The Bati players aren’t just singing; they’re lifting up their hearts to God.
“Noqu Masu” is a hymn of surrender to God, acknowledging his constant answers to our prayers and his faithful love for his people.
For Fijians, faith is a huge part of life—it’s embedded in their culture and identity.
While the Fijian Rugby Union side perform their own traditional war cry known as the Cibi (which is incredible in its own right), the Fiji Bati Rugby League side choose to perform their own beautiful hymn of praise.
What’s so profound about this is that they choose to show their priorities as a team and as individuals, worshipping God first and foremost. As the voices rise and fill the stadium, you’ll often see players with tears in their eyes, lost in the moment.
The words of “Noqu Masu” resonate with each of them personally, taking them back to their roots, to their families, and to a sense of belonging that goes beyond the footy field. It’s a grounding moment—a reminder of where they come from and the values they carry.
For these men, this isn’t about asking for a win; it’s about gratitude and recognition for the opportunity they have, for the answered prayers that led them here, and for the chance to honour God on an international stage.
In a society that tries to reduce the Christian faith to a mere moral system, Fiji’s “Noqu Masu” is a reminder that we are part of something much deeper. It reminds us that there’s something greater than ourselves and our achievements.
The hymn is a statement of faith and a reminder that our identity goes deeper than the scoreboard.
It’s an incredible sight to watch—men of power and skill, pausing before the storm of the game to recognise their ultimate purpose.
For us as fans, there’s a crucial lesson in this. No matter how passionate we get about Rugby League—or anything earthly for that matter—our hearts and minds should always be ultimately focused on God.
The Fiji Bati squad reminds us that while the thrill of sport is a gift, there is someone greater worth rejoicing in.