Prominent Wests Tigers five-eighth Losana Lutu is one of eight players selected to represent the Fiji Bulikula in the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship. This announcement was made over the weekend by Bulikula head coach Joe Rabele.
Rabele shared that the team scouted players in Australia, ultimately selecting eight individuals for the squad, including the talented Lutu. The player, who hails from Suva, has quickly advanced through the Wests Tigers pathways and has made her mark as a skilled five-eighth with a powerful running style.
Lutu’s breakout season in 2022 saw her contribute to New South Wales’ success in the Under-19s State of Origin and secure a championship title with the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. She has a contract with the club that lasts until the end of the 2026 season.
As the Bulikula prepares for their match against the Cook Islands Moana on October 26 in Suva, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Women, Rabele emphasized the importance of assembling the strongest possible team.
He noted that he has been observing local women’s competitions and has identified several promising players to include in the provisional squad of 35, pending eligibility approval from the National Rugby League. Rabele expressed hopes for improvement in the local competition and stressed the significance of the upcoming qualifier.
He aims to bolster the team with a good mix of talent, including several secondary school players from Lami Steelers, while ensuring that at least half of the squad consists of locally based players. Rabele acknowledged the disappointment of last year when the Fiji Bulikula did not participate in the World Cup, but sees this year as an opportunity to refine their roster and build a competitive team.