FAITH remains at the heart of the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula’s Rugby League World Cup campaign, providing a common bond as the team prepares to face France in its final pool match at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, tomorrow.
For hooker Teaghan Hartigan, named among the reserves, prayer and devotion have become an important part of the team’s daily routine, bringing players together as they pursue a place in the semi-finals.
“Our camp and everything we do revolves around God, thanking Him and dedicating everything to Him. We start every day with devotion and finish the day with devotions,” Hartigan said.
She explained that faith extends beyond the Bulikula, with both the women’s team and the Vodafone Fiji Bati having a talatala, or priest, alongside them during their campaigns.
“Our camp and our nation are built on our faith in God. That sets the tone for us and reminds us of what we are there for and that we have a bigger purpose,” she said.
That shared belief is also reflected in the singing of Noqu Masu, which translates to “My Prayer”, as the players draw strength from their connection before turning their attention to the demands of the game.
“It connects us all before we even think about it,” Hartigan said.
While faith provides the foundation away from the field, the Bulikula have also made their mark on it, securing their first Rugby League World Cup victory with a commanding 40-4 win over the Papua New Guinea Orchids.
The historic result followed an 18-12 opening-round defeat to New Zealand and has given Fiji fresh momentum as it approaches its final pool assignment.
However, France presents another test of the Bulikula’s progress, with victory strengthening their bid to reach the semi-finals in their maiden World Cup campaign.
Their qualification could also depend on the outcome of Papua New Guinea’s final pool match against New Zealand, with points differential potentially becoming decisive if the teams finish level.
As the Bulikula prepare for the challenge, their belief will be tested against France, but Hartigan’s message highlights the unity and faith that continue to guide the team through its historic campaign.
Fiji faces France at 2.20pm tomorrow.
