One of the most influential players of the Bati revival era is former general and chief playmaker Aaron Groom. The one time Canterbury Bulldog led the Bati to two World Cup Semi Finals and set the bar for Fijian halfbacks.

Aaron has the famous Fijian slogan “Noqu Kalou, Noqu Vanua” emblazed across his back.

He is known for his creativity, game management, running game and toughness in defense.

In round 10 of the 2008 NRL Season, Groom made his debut for the Bulldogs against the Gold Coast Titans. He would play a total 6 games that season. A timely debut as he was called in to lead the Bati in their 2008 World Cup campaign at the end of the season where he would prove to be one of Fiji’s best.

5 Years later he took his place as the lead playmaker at the 2013 RLWC for the Bati and again he delivered, this time with a full NRL squad around him.

His final game for the Bati was against Samoa in 2014 where he unfortunately couldn’t finish the game due to injury. His exit coincided with Fiji losing their lead and their way in the game.

Now retired, Groom will be remembered as a player who wore his pride on his sleeve and was always ready to go to war for his nation. What he lacked in size he made up for it with toughness and skill.