The Fiji Bulikula is preparing for a challenging final against Fetu Samoa this Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand. This matchup follows their recent victory over the Cook Islands, where they secured an 18-6 win at HFC Stadium in Suva.
The winner of this final will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, while the runner-up will have an opportunity to compete in another qualifying tournament alongside countries like Ireland.
Captain Talei Holmes emphasized the difficulty of the upcoming match against Samoa, acknowledging their strong performance. “Samoa is a formidable team just like us,” she stated. “I have faith in our coaching staff and our team that we can achieve victory.”
Holmes expressed pride in leading the Bulikula to a win in front of their fans and families, crediting the coaching staff for their effective player selections and support throughout the year. She also praised the newcomers for their contributions in the match against the Cook Islands, noting their seamless teamwork.
“We were down 6-0 against the Moana side, but we knew we couldn’t give up,” Holmes reflected. “We scored next and regained our momentum.” She specifically highlighted winger Vitalina Naikore’s standout performance, who scored a hat trick, demonstrating the collective effort of the team.
Head coach Josaia Rabele credited Tony Herman, the women’s coach for Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, for his valuable guidance in their win. He recognized the behind-the-scenes contribution of the coaching staff for their success in the Pacific Championship.
Rabele emphasized the importance of maintaining aggressive attacks and distributing the ball effectively to their wingers, who he believes are top performers. He expressed gratitude for the support from sponsors and families, acknowledging the challenges they’ve faced but the resilience shown by the players.
He concluded by thanking the team for their perseverance in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
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