THE future of Fijian netball has officially taken shape with the announcement of the 22-member Fiji Pearls squad for 2026, following a highly competitive and closely monitored national selection process.
Netball Fiji head coach Michelle Parsons described the process as both extensive and highly competitive.
“It has been a long process, from the April open trials where we had approximately 450 players from around Fiji, to the invitational trials, where we had 94 players. Since then, the selection panel has met, and we now have a squad of 22 players who will train together until November,” Parsons said.
She added that the squad will remain together throughout the season, with international players expected to trial on July 18, and any new selections from that group will be added to the existing squad rather than replacing current members.
“It is important to note that this has been a closed process. Nobody knew who the players were until this moment,” she said.
Training officially began on Wednesday at the FMF Gymnasium, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the Fiji Pearls program.
Netball Fiji (TOC) Chair, Vasiti Vukagakoto, highlighted the strength and credibility of the selection panel.
“We had appointed four selectors, Vilimaina Davu from New Zealand, former Fiji Pearls captain who represented Fiji in 1999 and helped push Fiji to world ranking number six, Bernadette Daurewa, Anasemeci Rakavosa and Taina Rabitu all former national representatives,” she explained.
She also confirmed that an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was advertised, attracting eight applicants, from which four were selected to assist the Head Coach and selection process.
The final 12 players will be announced before the team departs for the Spirit Series,
The 22-Member Fiji Pearls Squad 2026:
Shooters:
Celia Lewatu
Esther Dawai
Leehava Saverio
Lydia Panapasa
Matila Vocea
Nina Nakula
Robyn Navoka
Midcourt:
Anatolia Nuku
Ateca Buli
Elenoa Rasaubale
Elina Drikibau
Jimaima Kete
Susana Rasaubale
Tuipulotu Vulumailaucala
Vutaieli Tokaduadua
Defence:
Alisi Naqiri
Elenoa Gukirewa
Ema Mualuvu
Eseta Waqaira
Kalesi Tawake
Nanise Waqaira
Ravaela Koroiravudi
