Sharks make progress despite challenges

Police Sharks Women's coach Filipo Talei believes their 46-4 win over Laselase Cow­boys in the FNRL (Fiji National Rugby League) Women's Premier­ship national quarterfinal was an important step towards their semifinal campaign.

Talei said the match provided an opportunity to test his forwards as the Sharks continue preparations for their Australian tour on Octo­ber 12.

"It is our preparation for the Aus­sie tour on October 12," she said.

The Sharks have endured a challenging start to the season after several players were involved with Tailevu in the Subrails Marama Cup competition.

Talei said this forced the team to introduce new players, some who were playing rugby league for the first time.

"At the start of the season, some of our players went to play for the Tailevu women's rugby team in the Marama Cup competition, so we lacked players," he said.

"We had players who had not played a single game of rugby league. We fielded them and lost our first two games."

However, Sharks regrouped and turned their season around, securing their place in the semi-final.

Talei said the growth of women's rugby league had been encourag­ing, with more players taking up the sport.

"There are some new players in the squad and it is their first time playing rugby league.

"The rugby league sport has grown a lot in the women," he said.

The coach was also proud to see several of his players named in the Fiji Bulikula's extended squad.

Talei thanked the Sharks' spon­sors and supporters for their con­tinued backing throughout the season.