Prominent Wests Tigers five-eighth Losana Lutu is one of eight players selected to represent the Fiji Bulikula in the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship in the NRLW (National Rugby League Women). This announcement was made by Bulikula head coach Joe Rabele over the weekend.
Rabele shared details on the team’s composition, stating, “We went to Australia to scout players and we’ve selected eight players to join our squad.” He specifically highlighted Lutu’s inclusion, noting her impressive performance with the Wests Tigers as a standout halfback.
Lutu, originally from Suva and a Campbelltown Junior, has quickly progressed through the ranks of the Wests Tigers in recent years. Known for her strong running game, Lutu had a remarkable breakout season in 2022, where she helped New South Wales secure a win in the Under-19s State of Origin and claimed her first title with the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Her contract with the club runs through to the end of the 2026 season.
With the match against the Cook Islands Moana set for October 26 in Suva serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Women, Rabele emphasized the importance of forming the best possible team combination. He noted ongoing observations of local women’s games in preparation for the qualifiers.
“Right now, I have several girls in mind for a 35-player squad, but we must first get approval from the NRL regarding the players’ eligibility,” Rabele explained. He acknowledged the potential for improvement in the quality of local competition and underscored the significance of the upcoming qualifier.
He expressed confidence in his team’s prospects for reaching the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup while emphasizing the need for strategic planning for the qualifiers. “We have a good side, and we are just waiting for clearance from the NRL. I have included several secondary school players from the Lami Steelers to be part of this qualifier,” he mentioned, indicating that half of the 35-member squad would be composed of locally based players.
Rabele reflected on the previous year when the Fiji Bulikula was absent from the World Cup, stating, “This year is beneficial as it allows us time to identify our players. The team we will name will be a well-rounded mix of talent.”