The Fiji Bulikula is adamant that the final against Fetu Samoa this Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand will not be an easy one.

This was after they defeated Cook Islands, 18-6, at the HFC Stadium, Suva last Saturday.

The winner of the final will automatically qualify to the 2026 women’s rugby league world cup; the runner-up will join the World Series to play other countries including Ireland in another qualifying tournament.

Captain Talei Holmes understands the tough task ahead.

“We know Samoa is a strong side all over the park too like our team,” she said.

“I’m sure we’ve got the coaching staff to do it and I believe in us as I know we can do it.”

Holmes said she was honoured to lead the Bulikula to a win at home before their families and fans.

“Credit to our coaching staff for selecting the players and they done an amazing job with us this year and it showed on the field.

“I can feel it within the group so I’m really proud of the girls.”

She was pleased with the debutants performance against Cook Islands.

“They all stood up and you could see that everyone gelled so well together so I’m proud of the debutants as they deserve the win too,” Holmes said.

“I told the players to complete our set and maintain a tight defensive line when we were trailing behind the Moana side 6 – 0.

“We just knew we couldn’t give up and we scored next and got the momentum back on our side.”

Holmes acknowledged winger Vitalina Naikore for her player of the match performance; Naikore scored a hat trick.

“We got such strong outside backs and strong middle which is how we won the game as it wasn’t one player, it was all of us,” she said.

“Having Vitalina on the wing and finishing those tries for us, she is amazing.”

Head coach Josaia Rabele acknowledged Cronulla Sutherland Sharks women’s coach Tony Herman assistance in their 18 – 6 win.

“He’s (Herman) been helping us a lot trying to put in our defensive and offensive structure,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge the rest of the coaching staff that are working behind the scenes for our Pacific Championship campaign.”

Rabele advised the players to keep running hard in their attack and spread the ball wide to the wingers.

“Both wingers Naikore and Abigayle Sekitoga are the best wingers,” he said.

“We are so blessed to have an amazing captain and players that got us the win.”

Rabele said the experienced players leadership and their bond with the young players has been their biggest strength in their Pacific Championship campaign.

“I just want to thank the sponsors and all the families that have been supporting us,” he said.

“Sometimes we struggle but we manage to get there; I want to thank the all the girls for keeping the faith and believing themselves to produce the results that we need in our womens rugby league World Cup qualifiers campaign.”

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