Fiji Bulikula representative, Anastacia Shum Cottrell-Manumanunitoga, is thrilled to be back in Fiji after nine years and is looking forward to playing for her country and family this weekend.

The 23-year-old is proud to represent both the Bulikula team and her village of Wainimakutu, Namosi on the international stage.

“I am very excited to play this weekend and to represent my country. Playing for Fiji is what matters most, so all the players will be giving their best against our opponents the Cook Islands,” she said.

Coming back home, Manumanunitoga is eager to reconnect with her family, as it has been a long time since she last saw them.

Born and raised in Australia, she frequently visits her family in Fiji and was emotional upon seeing them this week.

“It was an emotional moment for me, seeing her family this week and im so excited the play in front of them and do my best.

She comes from a family with a rugby league background, as her older brother Tevita Cottrell and brother-in-law Isaac Lumelume have also represented Fiji in the sport.

“My older brother Tevita Cottrell played for the Fiji Bati in 2018, and my brother-in-Law Isaac Lumelume represented the country in 2019.

“So, I will be the first girl to represent the family, to play for my country and Bulikula, so I’m happy.

“No matter the outcome this weekend, we are all proud to be wearing the Fiji jersey and showcasing our family heritage.”

The Bulikula will face the Cook Islands Moana at 6pm, Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.