Anastacia Shum Cottrell-Manumanunitoga, representing Fiji Bulikula, is excited to return to Fiji after nine years and is eager to compete for her country and family this weekend. The 23-year-old takes pride in representing both the Bulikula team and her village of Wainimakutu, Namosi on an international platform.
“I am very excited to play this weekend and to represent my country. Playing for Fiji is what matters most, so all the players will be giving their best against our opponents the Cook Islands,” she stated.
Reconnecting with her family holds great significance for Manumanunitoga, as it’s been a long time since their last reunion. Although she was born and raised in Australia, she frequently visits her family in Fiji, and the emotional moment of seeing them this week brought her joy.
“It was an emotional moment for me, seeing my family this week, and I’m so excited to play in front of them and do my best,” she expressed.
Her family has a strong rugby league background; her older brother Tevita Cottrell and brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume have represented Fiji in the sport.
“My older brother Tevita Cottrell played for the Fiji Bati in 2018, and my brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume represented the country in 2019. So, I will be the first girl to represent the family, to play for my country and Bulikula, so I’m happy,” she said.
“No matter the outcome this weekend, we are all proud to wear the Fiji jersey and showcase our family heritage.”
The Bulikula team is set to face the Cook Islands Moana at 6 PM on Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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