First timers, the Fiji Bulikula has set their sights on winning the Women’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) after the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) announced the 23-member squad in Suva.
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The squad included 22 overseas-based players and a local player, with the World Cup scheduled to be played in Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand (NZ).
Speaking during the official squad announcement at the FNRL headquarters, Bulikula head coach Jone Wesele said the players have gained valuable experience in overseas competitions.
“Our current squad has NRLW (National Rugby League Women), NSW (New South Wales) Cup and Queensland Cup players, too, and a lone representative from home, Naomi Tegu from the USP (University of the South Pacific) Raiders team,” the former Fiji Bati forward said.
‘These players have proved their worth when they represented our country in the World Cup qualifiers in Canada.
“With our preparation coming into the World Cup, these girls have been playing throughout the year for their respective clubs and have the experience to perform at this level.”
Wesele who took charge as national head coach for the first time, said unity would be central to the team’s campaign.
‘This is the first time for me to be the national head coach and I’m shouldering it graciously. I humbly accept the challenge to take these girls to another level,” he said.
“Regardless of the pressure, there is unity and that is the ingredient in this journey. It takes the whole group, the whole team, to make it happen, and I believe we are ready for it.”
Bulikula captain Sereana Naitokatoka said she was grateful to have been selected again and backed Wesele and his coaching staff.
“It’s been a blessing to be part of this team. We’ve got a great coach, Johnny Wesele. We’re backing him and supporting him all the way and trusting the plan that he has for us,” Naitokatoka said.
She said the team had focused on building a strong bond.
“Coach always said that we have to knit our hearts together so we can be in unity. Like it says in the Bible, where there is unity, God commands His blessing,” she said.
Naitokatoka said returning home had also reminded the players of why they were representing Fiji.
“I’m so glad and grateful that we chose to come back home because we get to see and remind ourselves why we’re playing in the World Cup and who we’re playing for,” she said.
“The goal is to win this World Cup. That’s the goal. It would be a big thing if the girls bring the Cup back home to Fiji.”
Meanwhile, Fiji Bulikula’s lone local based player Naomi Tegu is relishing her selection to play in their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup (WRLWC).
The USP (University of the South Pacific) Raiders prop was surprised by her selection after receiving the call from the selectors on Sunday.
Speaking to SUNsports following the official team announcement, Tegu said representing Fiji at the World Cup is a major achievement.
“I was not expecting to be selected for the Bulikula squad,” she said.
“I was at home with my family and I finally got the call from the selectors on Sunday.
“I’m grateful to the selectors for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to represent my country.
“I can only thank God Almighty for guiding me through my rugby league career.
“It’s a massive achievement and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Hailing from Nabukelevu in Kadavu, she made her Bulikula debut last year and was part of the side that won the World Cup qualifiers in Canada under former head coach Joe Rabele.
“This is my first World Cup and it’s another level, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Tegu also encouraged young girls aspiring to pursue a career in women’s rugby league, urging them to remain committed to their goals.
Fiji Bulikula is pool alongside PNG Orchids, NZ Kiwi Ferns and France.
Bulikula squad:Leilani Ahsam (NRL W Cronulla Sharks), Teaghan Hartigan (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Ta lei Holmes (NRLW Cronulla Sharks), Tamika Jones (NRLW Canterbury Bulldogs), Ebony Laing (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Sienna Laing (QRL Burleigh Bears), Lorren Leli (QRL BMD East Tigers), Losana Lutu (NRLW West Tigers), Tahlia Marshall (QRL BMD East Tigers), Ema Masi (QRL BMD Norths Devils), Rory Muller (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sereana Naitokatoka (NRLW Canberra Raiders), Tanina Naividi (NRLW Sydney City Roosters), Elizabeth Naleba (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Aliti Namoce (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs), Maria Paseka (NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons), Abigayle Sekitoga (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Latisha Smythe (NRLW Canterbury Bulldogs), Cassie Staples (NRLW Cronulla Sharks), Naomi Tegu (FNRL USP Raiders), Nanise Vakacavu (NSW Womens Premiership Cronulla Sharks), Isabella Waterman (NRLW Canberra Raiders), Luisa Yaranamu (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs)
