Litiana Naqatalevu departed from the island of Beqa early yesterday morning to ensure she arrived in time for the Fiji Bulikula women’s rugby league team’s morning practice at Albert Park in Suva. Spending $100 on travel expenses proved worthwhile as she was finally reunited with her niece, Losana Lutu, after 12 years apart.
Naqatalevu expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s after 12 years that I was able to see her again.” She shared that Losana’s father is her brother, and she always believed that Losana would excel in sports due to her talent.
The 20-year-old Lutu is gaining recognition as one of the emerging talents in the National Rugby League Women (NRLW) in Australia. As a player for the Wests Tigers, she is anticipated to be a key player for the Bulikula team when they compete against the Cook Islands at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
In preparation for the game, Naqatalevu mentioned, “Back in our village in Naceva in Beqa, we’re preparing our banners for this Saturday’s game. We’re all coming to the stadium to support Losana and the girls as they play the Cook Islands.”