For Kinisalote Vusama and Adi Taina Delailovu, the Fiji Bulikula Rise Rookie Tour is the reward for years of sacrifice and perseverance.

Having lost her father at the age of four, 21 year old Vusama was raised by her single mother alongside her six siblings.

After returning from the 2023 Pacific Games, she became critically ill and was told she might never fly again, but she defied the odds to return to rugby league and pursue a dream that isn’t just hers, but her whole family’s as well.

“After coming back from the South Pacific Games in 2023, I got really sick.
So sick that my family told me to stop playing and to go to school. But I’m so
fortunate that I was raised by a single mother after my father passed away when I was 4. I’m thankful to my mother for her support and her upbringing. I got so sick that I was almost admitted in the ICU and the doctors told me that I wouldn’t be able to board an air plane again. But I’m grateful that that didn’t slow me down. I’m also grateful to my coaches for always believing in me and giving me another opportunity.”

Now, she hopes her journey will inspire other young people to believe that no obstacle is too great to overcome.

“To all my younger friends and family out there, especially all those who stay in the village and think that the situation and place that you’re currently living in right now is the end of the road. It’s not. I’m someone that grew up from a life of struggle but I’m so grateful to the staff at FNRL for giving me such an amazing opportunity to achieve the dream that I had set for myself a long time ago.”

Joining her is 18-year-old Adi Taina Delailovu, who made the difficult decision to leave school to pursue rugby league and will also embark on her first Rise Rookie Tour.

“This such a good opportunity for me to develop my skills as a young rugby league player. I was not expecting to be in the team but I can’t wait for this experience.”

For both players, the tour is more than just a chance to play rugby league; it’s an opportunity to secure an NRLW contract and inspire others back home.