Exciting news for fans of women’s rugby league as Losana Lutu, the talented five-eighth from the Wests Tigers, is set to represent Fiji Bulikula in the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship. This announcement was made by Bulikula head coach Joe Rabele over the weekend.
Rabele shared that a scouting trip to Australia resulted in the selection of eight players for the team. Among them is Lutu, who has been making waves in the NRLW while playing for the Wests Tigers.
Born in Suva, Lutu began her rugby journey with Campbelltown Juniors and has shown remarkable talent, rapidly advancing through the ranks at Wests Tigers. Her breakout season in 2022 included helping NSW secure a victory in the Under-19s State of Origin, followed by winning her first title with Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Lutu is contracted with the club until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Looking ahead to their match against Cook Islands Moana on October 26 in Suva, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Women, Rabele emphasized the importance of assembling the right team combination. He mentioned ongoing observance of local women’s competitions to identify talent, with a squad of 35 players expected to be submitted to the NRL for eligibility approval.
Rabele expressed the need for enhancement in the local competition and acknowledged that the upcoming qualifier is crucial. He is focused on ensuring a strong team capable of advancing to the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, aiming to include a mix of experienced and emerging players, including talent from secondary schools like the Lami Steelers.
He aims for half of the 35-member squad to consist of locally-based players, which he believes will provide a solid foundation for the team. Rabele reflected on the absence of the Fiji Bulikula from last year’s World Cup, noting that this year’s time frame allows for thorough player assessment and team formation.