Fiji’s women’s rugby league is making significant strides as five promising young players are set to showcase their talents on an international level in Australia. Selected from the Fiji Bulikula Residents squad, these athletes will compete in the Pacific Combine Team at the Harvey Norman NRL Rising Talent Invitational taking place from July 31 to August 3 in Newcastle.
The inclusion of these players presents a remarkable opportunity for them to gain exposure and potentially catch the eye of National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) scouts. Fiji Bulikula head coach Joe Dakuitoga emphasized that these trials, held as part of their grassroots program, aim to better prepare the girls for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Dakuitoga stated, “These matches will help us select the girls we will prepare for the World Cup qualifiers,” underscoring the significance of the upcoming competitions. The selected players are Asena Diranuve, Vasemaca Duva, Salacieli Sautoba, Naomi Tegu, and Elenoa Patricia, all aged between 15 and 18, who have displayed their skills in the FNRLW premiership competition each Saturday.
In addition to these young stars, four coaching staff members will support the team, ensuring they are well-prepared for the tournament. The creation of pathways like the Pacific Combine represents a concerted effort to nurture local talent for professional opportunities.
Furthermore, these developments in the women’s rugby league align with broader trends in Fiji, where the participation and performance levels among female players are on the rise. The Lami Steelers team, made up of young schoolgirls, has also shown promise by advancing to the semi-finals in the Vodafone Cup, reflecting the growing strength and potential of women’s rugby in the region.
This momentum signals a hopeful future as local initiatives, like the Rise Program designed for young female athletes, continue to cultivate skills and prepare women for impactful careers in professional rugby. As the landscape for women’s sports improves, Fiji’s representatives on the international stage are poised to make their mark.
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