Fiji Bulikula building connections ahead of World Series

Fijian players met with coach Josaia Rabele in Sydney last week as the Bulikula step up preparations for October’s World Series in Canada and the chance to secure the final women’s berth at the 2026 World Cup.

The Bulikula face Canada Ravens on October 21 at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario, with the victor to meet the winner of Ireland and Nigeria on October 26 for a place at the World Cup 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

After travelling to Newcastle with five members of the FNRL’s Rise Rookie program for the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational, held in the lead-up to NRLW Magic Round, Rabele took the opportunity to catch up with Australian-based players and coaching staff.

“It’s just about starting to spark that connection ahead of the World Series later this year,” Cronulla Sharks dual international Cassie Staples said.

“That’s really important to us, to make the World Cup with Fiji and with this team would be incredible, and I think all of the girls are really looking forward to that.”

Staples and Cronulla team-mate Talei Holmes are senior members of the Bulikula team, which  features a combination of NRLW stars and local Fijian talent.

Photo: Bulikula fullback Cassie Stapes with fans after Fiji's 2024 defeat of Cook Islands in Suva (NRL Photos).

Wests Tigers halfback Losana Lutu, Sydney Roosters winger Taina Naividi, Canterbury Bulldogs prop Latisha Smythe and Canberra Raiders playmaker Sereana Naitokatoka are other Bulikula players in the NRLW, while more play in the NSW and Queensland State competitions.

There is also a growing talent pool in Fiji and a team of domestic players will play Canada during the Ravens' two-match tour of the Pacific nation later this month as part of the World Series preparation for both countries.

“I think all of the teams in the World Series are getting stronger. Canada will be preparing just like us and they have got talent plus players in the NRLW, Super League and in New Zealand,” said Staples, who has previously played in Canada with the Australian rugby sevens team.

“At the same time so is Fiji. Having that camp in Fiji last year for the Pacific Championships was really, really special for us, and I will never forget that double-header with the men. We had a lot of people come to watch and a lot of support for the women’s team.

“It was honestly one of the most fun camps that I have been involved with, the way all of the girls came together was awesome and we had some really good staff.

“We are building; in 2023 we had some new faces come into the team, including myself, and in 2024 we had another group of new faces and I think it really cemented a good connection between the girls.

“The game is just growing so rapidly over there, especially when the girls can see pathways that they can obviously work towards, so that is really heartening to see.”

Among the emerging stars is 19-year-old centre Naomi Tegu Sivoi, who was one of five Fijian players to showcase their talents to NRLW scouts at the Harvey Norman Rising Star Invitational.

Amy Lavenia Peters, Asenaca Diranuve, Salote Botei Sukakinamena and Vasemaca Duva were also selected from the FNRL's Rise Rookie program, while staff members Seva Koroi, Solomoni Ratu, Selo Sanawa and Seini Matata attended.

Photo: Aseneca Diranuve was one of the Fijian players selected to attend the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational (NRL Photos). 

“Coach Wise came to our school, just to talk, and he found me and he said, 'you can come to our academy and play against another girl’s academy," she said.

"This is my second year playing rugby league and I really enjoy it."

The teenager is expected to be part of the squad to play Canada and hopes to eventually earn an NRLW contract, with all of the Fijian players impressing at the Invitational.

“I am looking forward to playing Canada," Sivoi said. "It will be good to play for my country and also for my family. I represent them.

"Women's rugby league is getting stronger in Fiji and it is my dream to play in the NRLW like Taina Naividi at the Roosters and Cassie Staples and Talei Holmes at the Sharks. They are my role models."