LOMAJI, Kadavu lass Naomi Tegu may get her baptism of fire in the Fiji Bulikulas clash with the Papua New Guinea Orchids today.
The former Richmond High School student is the only local-based player in the Bulikula’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad.
Head coach Jone Wesele named her as an inter-change for today’s clash.
The 19-year-old Fijian is one of the players promoted to the bench after teammate Tamika Jones was ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury sustained.
Wesele has been forced to make a change to the team that took New Zealand to the wire in last weekend’s 18-12 loss, with Nanise Vakacavu promoted from the bench to the start on the back row position.
The clash will determine which team keeps its hopes alive in Pool B.
This will be a do-or-die game for them.
In an interview with Times Sport after the Fiji Bulikula were named, Tegu said making her World Cup debut would be a special moment for her.
“If I get named in the team, I will be very happy because this was something I really wanted to achieve when I was playing in the local competition this year,” she explained.
Wesele mentioned said the USP Raider’s prop selection was no accident.
“She has every right to be on this team. She did her homework and played tremendously well this season at home,” he said.
Tegu’s debut will be her chance to repay her coaches faith in her as well as an opportunity to showcase to the world the caliber of local rugby league talent in Fiji.
Meanwhile outside Vakacavu’s promotion to the starting thirteen the side remains unchanged with utility back Sereana Naitokatoka acting as skipper.
The Fiji Bulikula will take on the Orchids at 2.15 pm in round two of the World Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium in the PNG capital of Port Moresby.
