Anastacia Shum Cottrell-Manumanunitoga, representing Fiji Bulikula, is excited to return to Fiji after nine years and is eager to play for her country and family this weekend.
At just 23 years old, she takes pride in representing both the Bulikula team and her village of Wainimakutu, Namosi on an international level.
“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 shared.
Returning home, Manumanunitoga looks forward to reconnecting with her family, having been separated for so long.
Originally from Australia, she visits her family in Fiji often and was overcome with emotion upon seeing them this week.
“It was an emotional moment for me, seeing my family this week, and I’m so excited to play in front of them and give my best,” she expressed.
She has a family history in rugby league, with her older brother Tevita Cottrell and brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume also having represented Fiji.
“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, and 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 will take on the Cook Islands Moana at 6 PM on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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