The Fiji Bulikula may have fallen short against Australia at the World Cup, but their fighting spirit, determination and performance have given the nation plenty of reasons to be proud.

Head coach Jone Wesele and captain Sereana Naitokatoka praised the team’s effort, highlighting the importance of playing with freedom, staying connected and enjoying the occasion.

Wesele says the team’s focus was never solely on the result but on testing themselves against the world’s best while proudly representing Fiji.

“Their effort after effort, after giving away penalties after penalties, they still managed to back themselves up.”

“The scoreline reflects off their persistence and keep pushing to the last whistle.”

The coach highlighted three pillars behind the team’s identity: staying connected, being skillful and playing selflessly.

“We have three pillars. One was to stay connected and be skillful. And the third one is being selfless.”

“And they did make a statement today. And they showed the world of rugby league that they are not just here to make numbers, they are here to make the name of themselves. And that’s something they did today.”

Captain Sereana Naitokatoka says the team’s performance was also about inspiring young girls across Fiji, particularly those growing up in villages who now have something to aspire to.

“Remembering who we’re carrying, our nation and especially our “matavuvale”, which is our family. And if we do it with pride and knowing where our source comes from, which is from above, anything is possible. We feel like we’re unstoppable.”

“And this is just the beginning of something great that’s coming. We’re not only doing it for us, but also for our future. The girls that are watching from the villages right now up in the mountains, six years old girls, all the way through that one day, they would want to put on these jerseys and we’re setting that platform for them. “

The captain also paid tribute to the generations of women who built the foundation for Fiji’s women’s rugby league programme, expressing hope that the current group would continue developing together ahead of the next World Cup.

While the result did not go their way, the Bulikula have made a statement on the international stage, proving they belong among the best and inspiring the next generation of Fijian women to dream of wearing the national jersey.