Former Fijian Drua and Fijiana XV winger, Vitalina Naikore, has made a significant impact in the rugby world and is now set to showcase her talent as a member of the Fiji Bulikula side in this year’s Pacific Championship.
Last year, the 24-year-old made history by signing a three-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys, becoming the first Fijian woman rugby player to secure an overseas contract in the NRLW Premiership in Australia.
Naikore was part of the Fijiana XV at the 2021 Rugby World Cup and was also part of the back-to-back Super W Premierships winner in 2022 and 2023 with Fijiana Drua in the competition.
She signed a multi-year contract with the Cowboys prior to the start of the 2023 season and became a mainstay on the wing, scoring three tries, including a double in the team’s 31-20 win over the Knights at Belmore, Cowboys reported.
The team lineup was announced yesterday, with Talei Holmes appointed as the captain of the squad.
The team boasts a strong roster including Taina Naividi at Fullback, Cassandra Staples and Abigayle Sekitoga at Centres, and Asenaca Diranuve and Vitalina Naikore on the Wing.
The forward pack features players such as Sereana Naitokatoka, Losana Lutu, and Ilisapeci Bari with Teaghan Hartigan as Hooker, and Aliti Namoce, Talei Holmes, and Nanise Vakacegu in second row positions.
The team is preparing to face the Cook Islands Moana team on October 26 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Latisha Smythe-Lock, Sienna Laing, Luisa Yaranamua, Anastasia Shum, Ema Rainima, Sereana Maragi, Mere Kilawekana, Rusila Camaibure and Ateca Naicaucauceva.
