Veteran winger Vitalina Naikore has rejoined the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women for the 2025 Super W season after a significant year in rugby league with the North Queensland Cowboys. At just 24 years old, Naikore, who hails from Nadivakarua Village in Bua, has made impactful transitions in her athletic career. She was a pivotal player in securing the Super W title for the Drua in 2022 before embarking on her rugby league journey in 2023 with the Cowboys, where she quickly established herself.

Excited to return, Naikore expressed her eagerness to reunite with her teammates and make another run for the championship. “I’m happy to be back here for Drua. I just can’t wait to play alongside the girls and am looking forward to what this season holds,” she said.

Reflecting on the past season, Naikore highlighted the need for improved defensive strategies as a critical area for the team’s advancement. “One of our weaknesses last season was defence, and we need to fix that. We want to get the girls together and focus on connecting our discipline with our defence line,” she noted.

Moreover, Naikore is not only committed to enhancing her own game but also aims to foster growth in newer team members, encouraging them to embrace challenges. Her aspirations for this season are clear—help the Drua reclaim the Super W title, saying, “That was my goal. I want to help the girls and bring the Super W title back this year.”

Her brief stint in rugby league has equipped her with valuable skills, emphasizing discipline and teamwork, which she believes will enhance her performance in rugby union.

Naikore’s return is a refreshing boost for the Drua, adding not just skill and experience but also a sense of leadership as they aim for a strong season ahead. With already a talented roster and the return of other key players, Naikore’s presence could indeed make a significant difference as they strive for another championship.

The 2025 Super W competition promises hard-fought matches and a dynamic clash of talent, providing an exciting platform not just for players like Naikore but also for women’s rugby overall in the region. Fans eagerly anticipate the season, hopeful for a thrilling display of camaraderie, skill, and determination from the Drua Women.