Fijian players met with coach Josaia Rabele in Sydney last week as the Bulikula step up preparations for October’s World Series in Canada and the chance to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The Bulikula face Canada on October 21 at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario, with the victor to meet the winner of Ireland and Nigeria in the final of the inaugural Women’s World Series at the same venue on October 26.
The winner will claim the last remaining berth at the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea, alongside the Jillaroos, Orchids, England, France, New Zealand, Samoa and Wales.
After travelling to Newcastle with players and staff from the FNRL’s Rise Rookie program for the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational, held in the lead-up to NRLW Magic Round, Rabele took the opportunity to catch up with Australian-based members of the Bulikula squad.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
A stirring Bulikula hymn
“It’s just about starting to spark that connection ahead of the World Series later this year,” Sharks dual international Cassie Staples said.
“That’s really important to us, to make the World Cup with Fiji and with this team would be incredible, and I think all of the girls are really looking forward to that.”
Staples and Cronulla team-mate Talei Holmes are senior members of the Bulikula team, which features a combination of NRLW stars and local Fijian talent.
Wests Tigers halfback Losana Lutu, Sydney Roosters winger Taina Naividi, Canterbury Bulldogs prop Latisha Smythe and Canberra Raiders playmaker Sereana Naitokatoka are other Bulikula players in the NRLW, while more play in the NSW and Queensland State competitions.
Cassie Staples says playing in Fiji was one of the most enjoyable experieces of her career.
©Kirk Corrie/NRL Photos
There is also a growing talent pool in Fiji and a team of domestic players will play Canada during their two-match tour of the Pacific nation later this month as part of the World Series preparation for both countries.
“I think all of the teams in the World Series are getting stronger. Canada will be preparing just like us and they have got talent plus players in the NRLW, Super League and in New Zealand,” said Staples, who has previously played in Canada with the Australian rugby sevens team.
“At the same time so is Fiji. Having that camp in Fiji last year for the Pacific Championships was really, really special for us, and I will never forget that double-header with the men. We had a lot of people come to watch and a lot of support for the women’s team.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Fiji Bulikula’s Top Tries from the Pacific Championships
“It was honestly one of the most fun camps that I have been involved with, the way all of the girls came together was awesome and we had some really good staff.
“We are building; in 2023 we had some new faces come into the team, including myself, and in 2024 we had another group of new faces and I think it really cemented a good connection between the girls.
“The game is just growing so rapidly over there, especially when the girls can see pathways that they can obviously work towards, so that is really heartening.”
Among the emerging stars is 19-year-old centre Naomi Tegu Sivoi, who was one of five Fijian players to showcase their talents to NRLW scouts at the Harvey Norman Rising Star Invitational.
Amy Lavenia Peters, Asenaca Diranuve, Salote Botei Sukakinamena and Vasemaca Duva were also selected from the FNRL’s Rise Rookie program, while staff members Seva Koroi, Solomoni Ratu, Selo Sanawa and Seini Matata attended.
Naomi Tegu Sivoi gives chase to her Fiji countrywomen Asenaca Diranuve at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent invitational in Newcastle.
©Chloe Davis/NRL Photos
Sivoi, who is from Fiji’s inner islands, was discovered by Bati coach Wise Kativerata and invited to join the FNRL’s Rise Academy.
“Coach Wise came to our school, just to talk, and he found me and he said, ‘you can come to our academy and play against another girls academy’,” she told NRL.com.
“This is my second year playing rugby league and I really enjoy it.”
The teenager is expected to be part of the squad to play Canada and hopes to eventually earn an NRLW contract, with all of the Fijian players impressing at the Invitational.
“I am looking forward to playing Canada,” Sivoi said. “It will be good to play for my country and also for my family. I represent them.
“Women’s rugby league is getting stronger in Fiji and it is my dream to play in the NRLW like Taina Naividi at the Roosters and Cassie Staples and Talei Holmes at the Sharks. They are my role models.”