FORMER Fiji Bati player Jone Wesele has been handed the task of leading the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula after being appointed head coach yesterday.
Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Singh announced Wesele’s appointment at FNRL House, with the former international now preparing to take charge of the national women’s side for the biggest assignment of his coaching career. With less than 50 days before the Rugby League World Cup, Wesele knows the preparation window is short, but believes the team can make the most of the time available.
“It’s really humbling to take on the baton from my predecessor,” Wesele said. Rather than making major changes, Wesele intends to build on the work already done by the previous coaching staff and work closely with the existing coaching team.
His immediate priority is bringing the local and overseas-based players together, with unity forming the foundation of his coaching philosophy. “One thing is unity,” Wesele said.
“If everyone comes together as a group, I believe nothing is impossible.”
The former Bati has also set his sights on improving Fiji’s position among the leading women’s rugby league nations, believing the Bulikula can move up the world rankings following the tournament. But Wesele’s ultimate ambition is much bigger.
“I’m ready to take on the challenge … and work towards the same goal, and that is to achieve the World Cup dream, and that is to win,” he said.
Beyond the World Cup, Wesele believes the future of the Bulikula depends on developing a stronger domestic pathway for women’s rugby league.
He wants more competitions for girls at primary and secondary school level, as well as through communities and clubs, giving players more opportunities to gain valuable match experience.
“Game fitness is different from fitness itself,” he said.
Wesele said regular competition would help players develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence before making the step up to international rugby league.
The Bulikula will now prepare for a historic World Cup campaign after securing qualification by winning the World Series qualifier, defeating Nigeria 62–4 in the final. Fiji has been drawn in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and France.
The Bulikula will face New Zealand on October 18, Papua New Guinea on October 24 and France on October 31. With a challenging pool ahead and little time to prepare, Wesele begins his tenure with a clear objective, unite the squad, build on the existing foundation and chase Fiji’s World Cup dream.
