The Vodafone Fiji Bulikula's impressive performance in their first Rugby League World Cup has caught the attention of the Australian Jillaroos, with players and coaching staff acknowledging the threat Fiji poses ahead of their semi-final clash this Sunday.
Jillaroos player Tiana Penitani Gray says she always believed the Bulikula could reach the semi-finals because of the talent within the Fijian squad.
Gray says she knows how competitive Bulikula stars Cassie Staples and Talei Holmes are, having trained and played alongside them at the Cronulla Sharks.
She says she is proud of how well the Fijian players have performed and knows what they are capable of when representing their country.
Staples and Holmes have played a combined 75 games for the Sharks over the past four years, while Bulikula forwards Leilani Ahsam and Nanise Vakacavu have spent the past two seasons with Cronulla's NSW Women's Premiership side.
Penitani Gray has also praised Bulikula assistant coach Tony Herman, who is the head coach of the Cronulla Sharks NRLW side, for his contribution to Fiji's success.
She says Herman understands how to bring out the best in individual players and develops game plans that suit the team's playing style.
Meanwhile, Jillaroos player Quincy Dodd says although they are friends with the Fijian players off the field, they will be opponents when the semi-final begins.
Dodd says she is proud of what the Bulikula have achieved but remains focused on helping Australia secure a place in the final.
Jillaroos head coach Jess Skinner says Fiji's performance against New Zealand has put the rest of the competition on notice.
The Bulikula led New Zealand 12-10 at half-time in their opening match before narrowly losing 18-12.
Skinner says Fiji have had an outstanding campaign and Australia will need to prepare thoroughly in both attack and defence.
The Vodafone Bulikula will face the Jillaroos this Sunday at 6.45pm at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Source: rlwc.com
