I’ve represented the country twice before and being captain this year is a very special moment for me as I definitely didn’t think this would come this soon.
Fiji Bulikula captain Talei Holmes (left) with teammates following their training session at Albert Park, Suva on October 21, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Fiji Bulikula captain Talei Holmes said players have developed a strong connection in their short-time together.
“We found a bond already off the field doing devotions and team meetings which is the most important thing,” she said.
“The Cook Islands girls have a lot of strength through the middle, and they got Kiana Takairangi at full-back who’ll be pretty dangerous around the ruck.”
Holmes said they would need to tighten their ruck and maintain their defence.
“I’ve represented the country twice before and being captain this year is a very special moment for me as I definitely didn’t think this would come this soon,” she said.
“I’m very excited and I can’t wait to lead the girls.”
Holmes said she was excited to be part of the Pacific Championship campaign as it was her first time to be in the country.
“It means so much to me seeing the younger generation coming through. It’s amazing and I’m so ex-cited to play in front of them.”
Holmes said they are taking their task seriously with the intention to make an appearance for the first time at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
“It would mean everything to the country if we qualify,” she said.
“We’re making sure that we cover all areas so we’re ready to go on Saturday.”
Holmes was part of the Cronulla Sharks team that lost (32 –28) to the Sydney Roosters team in the NRLW grand final two weeks ago.
Just a glance
Meanwhile, Fetu Samoa will also sit back and watch the Bulikula and Cook Islands Moana battle it out on Saturday for the other place in the World Cup qualifying final after beating Tonga 30-16.
The winner of the Fiji-Cook Is-lands Test will travel to Auckland to play Samoa at Go Media Stadium on November 2, with a World Cup berth up for grabs.
Tonga and the loser of Saturday night’s Test at HFC Stadium are out of contention but the runner-up in Auckland will contest the World Series in 2025 to decide the eighth and final berth at RLWC2026.
The victor in Auckland will also play the third placed Pacific Cup team at CommBank Stadium on November 10 for a chance to win promotion to the top tier next year.
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