Kurt Donoghoe was named the Rugby League Players Association's best bench player in 2026, after establishing himself as a versatile option for the Dolphins.
The 24-year-old has played hooker, lock and in the halves, and is prepared to fill any role Fiji coach Mick Potter requires at the Rugby League World Cup.
He grew up in Newcastle, where his grandmother Kim encouraged his football ambitions and, when he was 12, took him to Ba, Fiji, where she was raised.
"She is very important to me and is the only reason I can play for Fiji, being my dad's mum," Donoghoe told AAP.
He said the visit had stayed with him and that he knew who he was representing whenever he played for Fiji.
Fiji face Australia and New Zealand in a challenging pool, opening against the Cook Islands, and will be without Tui Kamikamica, Viliame Kikau and Jahream Bula through illness and injury.
Donoghoe said the team would focus on its available players, including Jacob Safiti, Api Koroisau and Sunia Turuva, whom he described as experienced big-game performers.
He made his NRL debut at hooker in the Dolphins' first match in 2023 after an injury created an opportunity, and has since played seven Tests for Fiji at five-eighth or halfback.
"I will play anywhere that Fiji and the coach (Mick Potter) needs me to."