THE Fiji Bulikula secured their first-ever World Cup berth after a big 62-4 win over Nigeria in the World Series held in Canada last year.

Sitting at twelve in the international rankings, Fiji will go into the tournament as the lowest-ranked side and face a tough baptism of fire with an opening group game clash against New Zealand in Newcastle. 

Games against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, and a trip to the Gold Coast to face France, will prove just as tough, and may mean getting out of the group stages could be a little beyond them.

It is likely that their squad will be made up of a mixture of Fiji domestic and Australian-based players, which again could cause an issue.

While they lack experience, particularly in the forwards, their enthusiasm and flair will entertain the crowds, no matter the outcome of their games.

KEY PLAYERS

PROUD captain Cassie Staples scored four tries in the Bulikula’s win over Nigeria. The outside back has crossed for 17 tries in 40 appearances for Cronulla Sharks in the NRLW and the team will rely on her experience and try-scoring prowess. 

For silky skills and a strong kicking game, Fiji will look to half Sereana Naitokatoka to spark their attacking raids, while they will be hoping that Wests Tigers stand-off Losana Lutu is available for the World Cup, having been a key reason for Wests Tigers making their first NRLW final series this year. 

COACH

AFTER a shake-up of the Fiji Rugby League board Jone Wesele, who represented their men’s team in the 2008 World Cup, replaced Joe Dakuitoga in August this year. 

He will be helped along the way with input from men’s head coach Mick Potter as well as Shane Morris and Joe Rabele.

SQUAD

Leilani Ahsam (Cronulla Sharks), Teaghan Hartigan (Burleigh Bears), Talei Holmes (Cronulla Sharks), Lorren Ieli (Gold Coast Titans), Tamika Jones (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ebony Laing (Burleigh Bears), Sienna Laing (Burleigh Bears), Losana Lutu (Wests Tigers), Tahlia Marshall (Brisbane Tigers), Ema Masi (Norths Devils), Rory Muller (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sereana Naitokatoka (Canberra Raiders), Taina Naividi (Sydney Roosters), Elizabeth Naleba (Burleigh Bears), Aliti Namoce (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Maria Paseka (St George Illawarra Dragons), Abigayle Sekitoga (Burleigh Bears), Latisha Smythe (Canterbury Bulldogs), Cassie Staples (Cronulla Sharks), Naomi Tegu (USP Raiders), Nanise Vakacavu (Cronulla Sharks), Isabella Waterman (Canberra Raiders), Luisa Yaranamua (South Sydney Rabbitohs).