Bulikula’s mark on the world stage puts notice out for NRLW contracts

The Fijian Bulikula’s courageous World Cup semi-final performance has put their players up for potential NRLW opportunities.

During the Bulikula’s spirited 30-14 defeat to the Australian Jillaroos on Sunday, individual performances shone, including standout half Luisa Yaranamua.

Yaranamua played a major role for her team, walking away with a try, a conversion, one line break, and bruising one-on-one tackles on defence in an exceptional 70 minute performance.

Bulikula captain Sereana Naitokatoka was quick to praise her teammate during a post-match media conference when asked whether an NRLW contract could be on the horizon for Yaranamua.

“I really hope that somebody pulls her up, because I’m telling you right now this girl, she works her butt off. She’ll work hard for anybody in that team, no matter what jersey she’s wearing.

“She’ll bleed that colour till the very end… if she doesn’t get a contract, I don’t know what.”

Luisa Yaranamua. Photo/Facebook.

Naitokatoka, a Canberra Raiders representative, paid tribute to their grassroots, acknowledging how special it is to see the likes of Yaranamua, and others representing Fiji.

“2019, she was my junior and we were waiting for the day when these girls would come up and play with us, and now that they’re here it’s crazy.”

It was a bittersweet end to the Bulikula’s heroic World Cup campaign, with a semi-final in their first World Cup appearance.

While the Jillaroos' six-tries-to-two performance sets the stage for a grand final against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns, it did not dampen the spirits of Bulikula head coach Jone Wesele.

“They’ve shown the world of rugby league that they’re not just here to make numbers; they are here to make a name for themselves,” Wesele told journalists.

“And that’s something they did today [Sunday], I’m really proud of them.”

Wesele also credits the Bulikula’s ability to display their three pillars, stay connected, be skillful, and be selfless, as a contributing factor to success.

Naitokatoka shared that their final match was a testament to the objective to go into the game, and simply enjoy it.

“I’m so happy to be honest, what a game, it was so exciting we just had fun and I know that everybody enjoyed watching that.”

She says they have been blessed to be part of the World Cup.