John Sutton accepts that he can’t change the past, but the Rabbitohs great is changing the future – for himself and the Fiji Bati.
Sutton captained South Sydney to their drought breaking 2014 grand final win and is the most capped player in the history of the NRL’s oldest club, but his one burning regret has been that he never represented his Fijian heritage.
“I had a couple of opportunities but my body at the end of the NRL season just wasn’t right,” said Sutton, who qualifies for the Bati through his Rotuma-born mother, Elena.
“I regret not playing and I know it made my mum very upset that I didn’t get the chance to run out for the Fiji Bati.
The former Rabbitohs star is now doing the next best thing after accepting an invitation from Bati mentor Wise Kativerata to join his coaching team as attack coach for the Pacific Championships.
Sutton, who played most of his 336-match career for Souths at five-eighth, has been working closely with halves Kevin Naiqama and Kurt Donoghoe as the Bati prepare for Saturday’s match at Suva’s HFC Stadium against Papua New Guinea.
While in camp with the Bati, he has also taken the opportunity to reconnect with his mother’s side of the family in Fiji.
“When Wise called me up to give me an opportunity to be part of the team I jumped at it,” Sutton said.
“I wanted to give back, I wanted to show my mum’s side of the family that it does mean something to me to be here, so I was very grateful that Wise gave me a call.
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