Caleb Navale returned to play just 186 days after rupturing his ACL in pre-season, earning praise from Fiji teammate Kurt Donoghoe.
"Caleb is just so tough. He has the leg speed and he is so strong. I have so much respect for him," Donoghoe said.
Donoghoe was Fiji's standout in Sunday night's 36-22 defeat by Australia in Brisbane, setting up three tries and earning man-of-the-match honours.
"Honestly, he lifted this team tonight. He deserved that man-of-the-match and I have never seen anyone for Fiji in the six play better," Bati captain Api Koroisau said.
Fiji led 16-12 in the second half, with Donoghoe directing play and sending three cut-out passes to winger Semi Valemei for a hat-trick.
A win over New Zealand on the Gold Coast on Saturday would take Fiji into the World Cup semi-finals. The Bati opened their campaign with a 40-12 victory over Cook Islands.
Donoghoe said he was comfortable playing five-eighth or lock for the Dolphins, where he mostly came off the bench this season as they reached the preliminary final.
"I love both positions and I am happy to play in either for the Dolphins. If I could play any position it would be lock or five-eighth," he told AAP.
The Dolphins have signed England captain George Williams to play five-eighth in 2027, while also expecting him to cover halfback when Isaiya Katoa is in NSW camp.
Donoghoe backed Fiji to beat New Zealand, saying the team's unity mattered more than its reputation.
"A lot of people wrote us off against Australia but we kept turning up for one another. It is not about who you have got. It is about how much love you have for your jersey and for each other."