Australian born Fijian and veteran Waratahs halfback Iliseva Batibasaga says it would be a “very humbling experience” to round out a celebrated NSW career in the Super W grand final against the Rooster Fijiana Drua in Melbourne this weekend.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Batibasaga has not made any public announcements about retirement just yet.

The 15-cap Wallaroo Batibasaga, who grew up in Brisbane is proud of her Fijian heritage.

Batibasaga’s father, Isimeli, played for Fiji in the 15-a-side game and sevens in the 1970s, and she counts Lote Tuqiri, Tevita Kuridrani and Nemani Nadolo as cousins.

“My father is from Sigatoka and my village is Namatakula, Nadroga,” Batibasaga said.

“That’s a famous rugby town and rugby village and there are people all over the world playing football who hail from that part of world.

“I have been getting a few messages: ‘Why aren’t you playing for the Drua’ and ‘You should come across for the World Cup’.”

In line for her third World Cup campaign for Australia later this year in New Zealand, Batibasaga won’t be switching allegiances, but she is excited to be playing against Fijiana in what may – or may not – be her final Super W game.

At the age of 37, Batibasaga always keeps a “never say never” approach to playing one more season for NSW, but the early childhood teacher is also considering offers to play overseas next year.

“It would be a nice bow to tie, and it would be a very humbling experience as well,” she said.

“It is almost playing against your homeland, and you know they’re going to give everything because they play with such pride and power.

“You want to give them respect by playing your hardest as well. It will be a fantastic experience.”

The Waratahs had earned a reputation as unbeatable in Super W after 19 straight wins, but the inclusion of the Fijiana Drua put paid to that with a 19-point defeat of the Tahs on the Gold Coast.

The Fijiana Drua have brought a new level of skill and physicality to Super W, on both sides of the ball, and recorded average winning margin of 37-10 in five games.

“That first loss was inevitable,” Batibasaga said.

“You can’t have a winning streak forever, so there’s always bound to be someone come along and beat you.

“But it is character building; it does make us stronger. And we proved that. We bounced back the following week with a good win over Queensland and then again in the semi-final.

“It has proved that we do have it in us and we are really looking forward to the final.

“They have been immense. But it is no surprise to see that from Fijiana, they play their XVs like their sevens so we have to be on their toes.”

Fijiana Drua take on Warratahs in the Super W Grand Final at AAMI Park, Melbourne on Saturday 2pm (4pm Fiji time).