Get to know Marika

A dual international, Marika has played for the Fiji National Rugby League team and is now a proud member of the Wallabies as they look to again climb to the top of the rugby union world at this year’s upcoming World Cup.

Marika’s career started in rugby league more than a decade ago with the Wests Tigers, before he was snapped up by Craig Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm juggernaut in the NRL mid-season in 2014.

Marika finished the 2015 season as the Storm’s top try scorer before eventually switching codes after 58 games for the Storm, including 34 tries and seven Tests for Fiji.

Joining the Melbourne Rebels, Marika qualified for the Wallabies under the residency rule. He has continued his try scoring feats in rugby with his strength and blistering speed delivering plenty of tries for the Wallabies in more than 50 Tests.

However, his boys keep him on his toes as much as any fleet-footed All Black wing rival.

“We love going to the park, kicking the ball around and playing a bit of one-on-one rugby,” Marika says of his boys. “I love watching them grow up and the lots of the funny conversations.”

QOn a normal game days, do you like to relax with the kids or do you try to keep away from the family?

AOn game day I always love being around my kids and we always go for morning walk, go grab a coffee and hang around at the park.

QHow much has your life changed since the kids were born?

AYeah, Immanuel is the only kid that I missed the birth and I'm super proud of Emma to handle the situation on her own. The kids bring me a lot of maturity and I try to be a good example on and off the field.

QTell us about being a dad. How much do you enjoy it?

AWhat I enjoy the most is seeing my kids grow and lots of funny conversations!

QWhat is your favourite activity with the kids?

AThe boys love going to the park and kicking the ball around. We also play a bit of touch rugby and 1v1 games.

QWhat are your memorable moments with the kids?

AThe most memorable would be when they came watch me play on the rugby World Cup in Japan. It was such a special thing for me that my kids were able to witness.

QDo the kids like to come to your games and how does that make you feel?

AThe boys more look forward to the game then me hahaha! I always want to put the best performance every match otherwise there will be long drive home with 1000 questions!
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QWhere would you like to take the family on a holiday next?

AI want to take them back home to Fiji. It's always great to see my kids around their grandparents and cousins.

Now let's hear from Emma & lliese

QHi Emma, what is Marika's best asset as a father?

AMarika is an extraordinary dad! He is always very compassionate and involved with the kids’ lives. With his busy schedule training and most of the times he is away on tour he would always call 4 or 5 times a day just to check in with us. Most importantly he makes his presence known when he is away and that's what we really truly appreciate.

Q  What’s it like now having four boys in the family?

AIt's awesome! I enjoy it and while it’s a bit challenging now I wouldn't change a thing. I love my boys and I'd do anything for them.

QHi Iliese, what makes you dad so great & do you like watching dad play rugby?

AMy dad is great because he’s always working hard and Yes … I love watching my dad play rugby its my favourite sport!