Australian Jillaroos not taking Bulikula lightly
The Jillaroos haven't faced a Fiji team in a Test match since 1998, with Skinner looking forward to the challenge presented by this year's World Cup debutantes.
Wednesday 04 November 2026 | 11:30
Defending Women's Rugby League World Cup champion Australia is not taking the Fiji Bulikula lightly in their semi-final clash at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday night.
Australian Jillaroos head coach Jess Skinner yesterday named a strong forward pack to take on the Fijians.
The Jillaroos haven't faced a Fiji team in a Test match since 1998, with Skinner looking forward to the challenge presented by this year's World Cup debutantes.
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The Sereana Naitokatoka-captained Bulikula took world's No,2 side Kiwi Ferns to the wire before bowing out 18-12. They then travelled to Port Moresby to wallop the hosts Papua New Guinea Orchids 40-4 before beating France 54-6 last Saturday.
"I have been impressed with how Fiji have come into the tournament this year and displayed their style of football across the park," Skinner said.
"As Jillaroos, we have been looking to build each game and know we will be well prepared to face Fiji on Sunday."
The Bulikula had their video sessions as head coach Jone Wesele and assistant coach Tony Herman went through their game and areas they need to work on. Later in the day, they had an open training session.
Veteran full-back Cassie Staples indicated that they need to focus on themselves and work on areas of their game that needs to be improved.
She also said they are aware of playing a strong Jillaroos side but they are going to be out there taking them on.
Waisele has made tactical changes with Tahila Marshall, Teaghan Hartigan, Ema Masi and Aliti Namoce as interchange.
The match kicks-off at 6.45pm
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Bulikula: 1. Cas- sie Staples, 2. Maria Paseka, 3. Isabella Waterman, 4. Sienna Laing. 5. Taina Navidi, 6. Luisa Yaranamua,
7. Losana Lutu, 8. Latisha Smythe, 9. Sereana Naitokatoka, 10. Lorren Ieli, 11. Elizabeth Naleba, 12. Talei Holmes, 13. Leilani Ahsam.
Interchange: 14. Tahila Marshall, 15. Teaghan Hartigan, 16. Ema Masi, 17. Aliti Namoce. Reserves: Nanise Vakacavu, Naomi Tegu, Abigayle Sekitoga, Rory Muller, Ebony Laing.
