Wests Tigers five-eighth Losana Lutu has been selected as one of eight players to represent Fiji Bulikula in the Pacific Bowl Championship. This announcement was made over the weekend by Bulikula head coach Joe Rabele.
Rabele explained that they traveled to Australia to scout talent and successfully identified eight players for the squad. Among them is Lutu, who has been making waves in the NRLW while playing for the Wests Tigers.
Born in Suva, Lutu has quickly risen through the ranks of the Wests Tigers, showcasing her abilities as a talented five-eighth with impressive running skills. She had a standout season in 2022, contributing to New South Wales’ Under-19s State of Origin victory and securing her first championship with the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Lutu is contracted with the team until the end of the 2026 season.
With a crucial match against Cook Islands Moana set for October 26 in Suva, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Women, Rabele emphasized the importance of selecting the best player combinations. He noted that they have been monitoring local competition games to identify potential players for the 35-member squad, which requires NRL’s approval for player eligibility.
Rabele pointed out that there is significant room for improvement, particularly in local competition standards. He recognized the match as a vital opportunity for Fiji Bulikula and highlighted the need to be strategic in preparing for the qualification rounds.
While he is optimistic about fielding a strong team, Rabele also mentioned that 50% of the squad would be composed of local players. He recognized the absence of the Fiji Bulikula at last year’s World Cup but expressed confidence that this year’s preparations would provide ample opportunity to scout and develop the team’s talent.