Lami Steelers captain Naomi Tegu has achieved an incredible feat by securing a place in the Fiji Bulikula squad for the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship match against the Cook Islands this Saturday. At just 18 years old, Tegu, a student at Richmond Methodist High School, left her home in Kadavu to join the rugby league academy led by Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata.
Reflecting on her journey, Tegu shared, “Last year in Kadavu, we had no idea coach Kativerata and his team would come to our school to conduct rugby league clinics.” She mentioned that prior to this experience, she had little knowledge about rugby league, serving as the deputy head girl at her school.
Encouraged by Kativerata, Tegu registered for the women’s national rugby league team and attended a camp during the two-week holiday break. “I came over with a teacher in the first week and began my journey in rugby league,” she recalled. Despite her initial inexperience, she dedicated herself to training.
“I only knew how to pass, and after the camp ended, the other academy participants left while I stayed at Kativerata’s house,” Tegu explained. She continued her daily training and eventually joined the Lami Steelers in the local women’s competition, where she became captain and led the team to the semi-finals of the Fiji National Rugby League Women’s premiership tournament.
Expressing her excitement, Tegu stated, “I didn’t expect to be included in the Fiji Bulikula squad and to play as a centre.” She emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting that captain Holmes has encouraged the squad to bond and work cohesively. Looking ahead to the match against the Cook Islands, Tegu stressed the necessity of strong defensive strategies. “All players must perform their individual roles, run their lines, and ensure our defensive line is solid with no gaps,” she added.