Fiji Bulikula’s head coach Joe Dakuitoga is closely monitoring the performance of former Fijiana 7s player Adi Vani Buleki, who has recently signed with the Bulldogs. This scrutiny comes as the Bulikula prepare for the World Cup qualifier program set to take place this October in Canada. Dakuitoga and his coaching team are assessing Buleki’s transition into rugby league, focusing on her adaptation to the new rules and evaluation of her overall performance.
As part of their selection process for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the coaching staff will consider Buleki’s progress and impact among the team, especially given her potential ties to an NRL club. Dakuitoga expressed, “We will see her progress… and we will make up our final selection before October before we travel to Canada.”
This year, there is a notable increase in participation in women’s rugby league with 11 teams set to compete in the 2025 Fiji National Rugby League Women’s competition. This development provides a robust platform for Dakuitoga and his team to scout talent for the World Cup qualifiers.
Reflecting on last year’s roster, Dakuitoga emphasizes the importance of building continuity, as the previous squad was primarily composed of young players. “We’d rather keep the core of those young players to be part of the process to the 2026 World Cup rather than keep on changing players every year,” he noted. The team’s strategy also includes recruiting high-quality players from Australia to complement Fiji’s local talent.
Fiji Bulikula is set to face Canada in the semi-finals of the inaugural IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series on October 21 at Terry Fox Stadium. This match offers a significant opportunity for the team, showcasing their ambition to elevate women’s rugby in Fiji and marking their potential at the international level.
The journey of Fiji Bulikula reflects not only the team’s hard work but also the broader narrative of growth and empowerment in women’s sports, offering hope for future achievements in rugby league.
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