WITH a remarkable display of teamwork and the contributions of solid players, Vodafone Fiji Bulikula secured a notable 18-6 victory against the Cook Islands Moana at their home ground in the 2024 Pacific Championships Women league over the weekend.
Team captain Talei Holmes attributed the win to the cohesive efforts of the players and their ability to defend against the Cook Islands Moana.
Holmes shared her sentiments about the match, expressing her joy and disbelief at the outcome.
“I’m on a massive high, can’t believe it, yeah to be in a massive crowd here in Fiji just a surreal feeling, also to get through another week with my girls is amazing,” said Holmes.
She acknowledged the uniqueness of the group and the special connection.
“This week (last week) has been amazing we have never been a part of a Fiji team that is really close with the girls, there is something special about the group.
“Credit to our coaching staff for picking the team. They have done an amazing job with us this year, I’m proud of the girls.”
Holmes expressed pride in the players for their performance, particularly commending Vitalina Naikore for her hat-trick of tries.
“So proud of Vitalina Naikore for the hat-trick tries, we got strong outside back and strong middles, how we won that game was not only one player, but it was all of us as a team.
“Also, the new girls did amaze they really stepped up in their roles, it was amazing to see the debutants all stood out and you can really see everyone on the field, we gelled so well together I’m so proud of them.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Samoa, Holmes acknowledged the strength of the opposing team and stressed the need for thorough preparation.
The team is committed to addressing areas for improvement from their previous game and refining their tactics for the tough competition they will face against Samoa.
The Fiji Bulikula meet Fetu Samoa in Auckland for a place at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
