SHE is still chasing her first NRLW appearance, but at just 23, Luisa Yaranamua has already earned recognition among the world’s leading female rugby league players, marking a breakthrough moment in her young career.
At just 23, the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula five-eighth has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Rugby League (IRL) Women’s Golden Boot, putting her among the elite of the women’s game after a remarkable Rugby League World Cup campaign.
For a young player still climbing the professional ranks, the nomination represents a significant leap, particularly after helping Fiji make its historic World Cup debut and reach the semi-finals for the first time.
However, Yaranamua’s rise has not happened overnight. Through the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ women’s pathway, she has steadily developed her game, earning the respect of her teammates before taking that confidence onto the international stage.
She delivered one of her biggest performances against defending champions Australia in the semi-finals, where she scored Fiji’s opening try and converted it to give the Bulikula an early 8-0 advantage.
Although the Jillaroos recovered to win 30-14, Yaranamua continued to test the Australian defence, displaying the attacking instincts, kicking ability and composure that have become important features of her game.
In their opening match, she played all 70 minutes against New Zealand, helping Fiji take a 12-10 half-time lead before the Kiwi Ferns secured an 18-12 victory. She also recorded four kicks for 122 metres.
Her nomination places her alongside established internationals, including Australia’s Tamika Upton and New Zealand’s Raecene McGregor, a former Golden Boot winner, underlining the significance of her achievement.
Luisa Yaranamua in action for the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula during the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Picture: SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS/FACEBOOK.
