FOR Lauren Leli, representing Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup is more than a milestone in her rugby league career.
It is an opportunity to honour her family, celebrate her Banaban heritage and inspire young girls from Rabi Island to believe they, too, can reach the highest level of the game.
The Brisbane Tigers player is part of the 17-member Fiji Bulikula squad for their opening match against New Zealand this afternoon, named among the interchange players as the team begins its World Cup campaign.
Her selection marks a historic achievement for Rabi, with Leli becoming the first woman from the island to earn a place in Fiji’s national rugby league team.
“I’m just very grateful to have this opportunity,” she said.
“For me to be the first girl, especially from an island that’s not very known, I’m just very grateful to have this opportunity.”
Born in Fiji, Leli left for Australia when she was three years old. Her father is from Tabiang village, while her mother hails from Uma village on Rabi Island.
Her selection carries significance for the Banaban community, whose ancestors were relocated from Ocean Island, now known as Banaba in Kiribati, to Rabi after phosphate mining devastated their homeland following World War II.
For a community shaped by displacement and the rebuilding of its identity, Leli’s achievement represents another chapter in its story.
Her rugby journey began with her three brothers, who all played the sport.
Initially interested in rugby union, she took up the game in Year Seven after her father’s encouragement before making representative honours in rugby league in Year Nine.
That early introduction developed into a passion that has now earned her a place among Fiji’s best.
Leli has progressed through the junior ranks at the Brisbane Tigers and now plays in the club’s women’s division.
Her selection has also provided an opportunity to reconnect with Fiji and learn more about the culture of her birthplace.
“I was born here and when I was three years old, I left for Australia,” she said.
“Coming back here, I’m just very grateful. I’m learning the culture because Rabi and Fiji and suburbs are a bit different in terms of culture.”
As she prepares for the challenge against New Zealand, Leli is determined to make the most of the opportunity and represent the people who have supported her journey.
She wants to honour her family and the name on the back of her jersey.
Her message to aspiring young players, particularly girls from Rabi, is simple: believe in themselves and keep pushing forward.
“Have faith, trust in God. He’ll lead the way,” she said.
“Keep pushing through no matter what the challenges.”
For Leli, the World Cup is an opportunity to take another step in her rugby league career.
But whatever follows, her place in Rabi Island’s sporting history is already secured.
And for the next young girl from Tabiang, Uma or anywhere on Rabi who dreams of wearing the Fiji jersey, Leli has shown that the journey is possible.
Fiji Bulikula rep, Lorren Leli during the Vodafone Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula farewell dinner at the Vineyard restaurant in Suva on Wednesday, October 07, 2026. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
