2024 Pacific Championships Preview: Fiji Bulikula vs Cook Islands Moana

Fiji Bulikula and Cook Islands Moana Set to Clash in Pacific Championships Opener

Excitement is building as Fiji Bulikula and Cook Islands Moana gear up to kick off their 2024 Pacific Championships campaigns in a highly anticipated showdown at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this Saturday.

Both teams are looking to make a strong start after suffering losses in their only games of the 2023 tournament in Port Moresby. This year, Bulikula will have the advantage of playing in front of a supportive home crowd, with several players gaining valuable international experience throughout the season.

The squads have been carefully selected, with both teams boasting considerable NRLW experience. Fiji’s squad features seven players with NRLW experience, including the Cronulla Sharks duo Talei Holmes and Cassie Staples, who recently played in the NRLW grand final. Cook Islands, on the other hand, have 10 players with NRLW experience, with key players like Kiana Takairangi and Jazmon Tupou-Witchman leading the charge.

The match holds extra significance as the winner will secure a spot in the World Cup qualifying final, where they will face Fetu Samoa in Auckland. With a World Cup berth on the line, both teams are expected to leave it all on the field in pursuit of victory.

In terms of team news, the Sharks grand final duo of Staples and Holmes will play crucial roles for Fiji, while Cook Islands will be led by experienced campaigner Takairangi and former Dragon Anneka Stephens. Both teams have named strong line-ups, with no late changes expected.

As the teams prepare to face off, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter between two talented sides hungry for success. Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed clash between Fiji Bulikula and Cook Islands Moana in the Pacific Championships opener.