Litiana Naqatalevu left Beqa Island early yesterday to attend the morning practice of the Fiji Bulikula (national women’s) rugby league team at Suva’s Albert Park. Spending $100 on travel expenses was worthwhile for her, as it allowed her to reunite with her niece, Losana Lutu, for the first time in 12 years.
Naqatalevu expressed her pride in Lutu, saying, “When Losana was growing up, I always knew that she would excel in sports because of her talent.” The 20-year-old Lutu is emerging as a star in the National Rugby League Women (NRLW) in Australia, currently playing for Wests Tigers. She is set to be a key player for the Bulikula team as they face off against the Cook Islands this Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Naqatalevu shared the excitement in their village of Naceva in Beqa, stating, “We’re preparing our banners for Saturday’s game. We’re all coming to the stadium to support Losana and the girls as they take on the Cook Islands.”