HARD work and sacrifice have paid off for Fiji Bulikula debutant and USP Raiders players Naomi Tegu, when she was named awarded the 2025 best female player of the year at the Fiji National Rugby League Women’s Awards, last Saturday night in Suva.
Tegu was stunned when named as the best female player for 2025.
She was one of the four local players that features in the qualifiers last month.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God for his guidance and protection throughout my training this year. I did not expect to be named as the best female player for this year,” she said.
She also thanked her coaches and teammates at the USP Raiders who’s support has been pivotal in her breakout season.
“I’m also grateful for the lives of my coaches for believing in me, I also thank all my teammates for their support during my training.
“They were always there for me during my hard times, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without their support.”
This year Tegu joined the USP Raiders team switching from Lami Steelers.
In August 2025 she was one of five local Fijian players selected to participate in the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational program in Newcastle, Australia.
This provided significant exposure to NRLW scouts and was part of the FNRL’s pathway for promising players.
The exposure and strong performances in local competition got her first call-up to the Fiji Bulikula national squad for the IRL World Series in Canada, an experience she described as a dream come true.
At only 19-years-old she made her debut in their opening match of the World Series against Canada, in their 48-0 semi-final victory.
Bulikula head coach Josaia Rabele Dakuitoga credits Tegu’s commitment to their development program, which rewarded her with her debut in the national team.
“Naomi was spotted by our development team three years ago in Kadavu, I thank her for staying committed to our grassroots program for the last three years,” said Dakuitoga.
“Her sacrifice has paid off after she was called up to the Bulikula team and earning her debut against Canada, she also scored her first international try against Nigeria in the final.”
Dakuitoga is calling on other girls in the sport to follow Tegu’s footsteps, hoping more local young girls will make their Bulikuala debut in the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
