Wests Tigers and Fiji star Kevin Naiqama reveals No.1 fan Danielle Mason was too weak to text

IN the final weeks before her death, Danielle Mason — Kevin Naiqama’s No. 1 fan — could not even muster the energy to lift her hands and respond to a text message.

IN the weeks leading up to her death, Danielle Mason — Kevin Naiqama’s self-described No.1 fan — could not even muster the energy to lift her hands and respond to a text message from her sporting idol.

Naiqama was deep into the World Cup with Fiji last November when he learned the 19-year-old he had met just a few months earlier had lost her battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

“I was in camp when her mum messaged me with the news,” Naiqama said.

“My heart was broken. I got to know her the last few months of the season.”

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Kevin Naiqama has opened up about his No.1 fan Danielle Mason

There were extra tears shed from the Fijian captain when his side shocked New Zealand, 4-2, a few days later to progress to a World Cup semi-final against Australia.

Speaking for the first time about the heartbreak of Mason’s death, Naiqama told The Daily Telegraph: “During the World Cup I couldn’t visit her, but she became so weak she could not reply to messages. Her mum had to reply for her.

“My heart goes out to the family. I’m glad I could put a smile on the young girl’s face. She will be dearly missed, but we know she’s in a better place.

“It’s crazy to think what football can do to someone and how it gives them heaps of spirit to fight.’’

Danielle Mason Tweeted a picture with her favourite NRL player earlier in the year

Naiqama won hearts when he hugged Mason and gave her his jersey in an emotional meeting after the Wests Tigers’ thrilling 30-26 victory against Manly last August.

He had earlier visited Mason in hospital. Describing herself as ‘’Kevin Naiqama’s number 1 fan’’ on her Twitter profile, she had needed to get a hospital clearance to attend Leichhardt Oval that day.

Naiqama will become a favourite with a lot more Tigers fans should he produce the same level of skills and passion he did for the Bati in their run through to the World Cup semis, where they lost 54-6 to the Kangaroos.

An emotional Kevin Naiqama after Fiji beat New Zealand at the RLWC

The 28-year-old was brilliant in the Fijian No. 1 jersey at the tournament and he trained at fullback this week when The Daily Telegraph met him at Tigers training at Concord.

Coach Ivan Cleary is expected to give Tui Lolohea first crack at James Tedesco’s old jersey, with Naiqama told to prepare to play fullback, wing and centre.

“It was a great experience playing in that fullback role (for Fiji),” Naiqama said.

“I started to grow into it and I’d already played a bit there when Teddy was away with Origin last year.

Naiqama says he enjoyed his time at fullback for Fiji. Picture: David Swift.

“There’s a lot more responsibility, especially in defence, where you’re telling players where to go, but I have the confidence to do that and like being around the ball

“I’m happy to play wherever here. I love playing football and learning. Ivan said he doesn’t want to lock me down and wants me to train at fullback, wing or centre.

“It’s only my second full week back and it’s nice to come into a pre-season with a clean slate, and not being in the media for the wrong reasons.’’

The Tigers have plenty of depth elsewhere in the outside backs, with David Nofoaluma, Taane Milne, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak — who has dropped 8kg — Esan Marsters, Corey Thompson, Michael Chee Kam, Mahe Fonua and the recovering Moses Suli.