THE 2025 Fiji National Rugby League Women’s (FNRLW) Premiership season is off to a positive start with more teams joining and competition heating up in both the East and West.
After the first round of competition last weekend, NRL in-country manager Ema Levaci said interest in women’s rugby league is growing, with five new teams added this year.
“In the East State competition, we have the Veiyasana Knights from Davuilevu, Nabua Broncos and Nadera Panthers,” she said.
“In the West, we welcomed the Saru Dragons and Namuaniwaqa Eagles from Ra, who all put up a hard fight and show on the weekend.”
She said with support from FNRL’s development team, these new clubs could become strong contenders.
Top teams to watch this season include the Nadonumai Steelers and Laselase Cowboys.
Levaci said both teams have added exciting young players from the secondary school’s competition.
“This season’s format will have two rounds of games, so every team plays each other twice,” she said.
“The top five from East and top three from West will qualify for the quarter-finals on September 13. Semi-finals will follow on September 20, with the grand final on September 27.”
Venues are yet to be confirmed.
Levaci said the main challenge is securing proper venues and facilities.
“It’s not just rugby league facing this, many sports are struggling,” she said.
“We want to meet the standards and expectations of all who participate and ensure equal opportunity and safety.”
She said the FNRLW competition plays a key role in developing local players for the national team, the Fiji Bulikula.
“The aim is to create and develop a clear and competitive pathway for Fijian girls and women,” she said.
