The tragic precursor to Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama’s tears at the Rugby League World Cup

KEVIN Naiqama’s tears of joy have been one of the most enduring images of the Rugby League World Cup, but a tragic story has emerged involving the Fiji captain.

Kevin Naiqama and Danielle Mason after a Tigers game.

THE tears of joy from Kevin Naiqama have stood out as one of the most enduring images of this Rugby League World Cup.

The Fiji captain struggled to contain his emotions after his country’s famous win over New Zealand on Saturday and regularly wells up during Fiji’s national anthem.

Naiqama explained his emotional displays on the field in a piece for PlayersVoice last week titled ‘This is Why we Cry’.

“They are tears of joy. All that emotion comes out when the anthem starts because we don’t get to play many Test matches for Fiji,” he wrote.

“I think about my family, my friends, the players I’m doing this with.

“Those thoughts flood my mind and it’s all over. The tears just flow.

“To play for our country, our ancestors, the players who have worn this jersey before, it’s the best feeling you can have in football.

This kind hearted gentleman has picked my fighting spirits up by millions! Cannot take the smile off my face! I am truely blessed! pic.twitter.com/9XsYBgcbmD

— Danielle Mason (@DaniellexxMason) August 13, 2017

I hope to one day make up to this young man for helping me through such a hard time by takin him on a date my shout completely! 💜 #godbless pic.twitter.com/RBZPtjBFA3

— Danielle Mason (@DaniellexxMason) September 14, 2017

But a tragic side of the story has surfaced following the death of Naiqama’s biggest fan, reports 7Sport.

Wests Tigers supporter Danielle Mason lost her two-year battle with cancer on Tuesday, days before the Bati’s victory over New Zealand.

Naiqama met Danielle while she was receiving treatment in hospital this year and organised eight tickets for the 19-year-old and her family to the Tigers’ home game against Manly in August.

Naiqama in tears

Naiqama shows his emotions.

After the match at Leichardt Oval, Naiqama gave Danielle his game-worn jersey and posed for photos with her in the stands.

“She got a day pass out of hospital and I told her I would come and see her after the game, and the least I could do was give her my jersey and give her a hug,” Naiqama said in August.

Danielle posted a number of photos on social media with Naiqama, admitting he had helped her pick up her fighting spirit by millions.

A GoFundMe page, set up by Danielle’s family, revealed the tragic news that she had lost her fight last week. Their goal is to raise money for her funeral, with $4184 of the $5000 target raised as of Monday afternoon.

Kevin Naiqama was close to Tigers fan Danielle Mason.

Originally published as The tragic precursor to Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama’s tears at the Rugby League World Cup