Lami Steelers captain Naomi Tegu has achieved an impressive milestone by securing a spot in the Fiji Bulikula squad for the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship against the Cook Islands on Saturday.
At just 18 years old, Tegu, a student at Richmond Methodist High School, traveled from Kadavu to join Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata’s rugby league academy. She recalls being unaware of the rugby league clinics that Kativerata and his team would conduct at her school last year.
Tegu mentioned, “We didn’t know anything about rugby league, and I was the deputy head girl at the school.” This changed when Kativerata encouraged her to register for the Fiji women’s national rugby league team.
“He suggested that I attend the camp during the two-week holiday break,” she explained. “In the first week, I went with a teacher, and that’s how my rugby league journey began.”
Despite her initial lack of knowledge about the sport, Tegu trained diligently. “I only knew how to pass. After the camp ended, the other academy players left, but I stayed at Kativerata’s house,” she shared. “I kept training every day and eventually joined the Lami Steelers for the local women’s competition.”
Tegu not only captained her team but also led them to the semi-final of the Fiji National Rugby League Women’s (FNRLW) premiership tournament. She expressed her surprise at being selected for the Fiji Bulikula squad and playing in the center position.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the squad. Our captain Holmes regularly advises us on the importance of socializing and building cohesion within our game,” Tegu noted.
Looking ahead to the match against the Cook Islands, Tegu emphasized the need for a solid defensive strategy. “All players must fulfill their individual roles, maintain their running lines, and ensure that our defensive line remains intact without any gaps,” she added.