Photo: FNRL Facebook
Fiji's women's rugby league team, the Bulikula, are a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The Bulikula thrashed Canada 48-0 in the semifinal of their World Series competition to set up a play-off against Nigeria for the eighth and final berth at the World Cup.
Canada has featured at the past two World Cups in 2017 and 2022, but are now out of contention for next year's tournament in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The Bulikula are trying to become Fiji's first women's team to play at a Rugby League World Cup.
Captain Cass Staples said the team has had a great connection in the limited time together.
"I think it's truly a strength of Fiji as a nation to connect off the field before they step on it," she said.
"We stuck to our game plan [against Canada] and executed but the job isn't done yet - we look towards our game now against Nigeria."
Despite the blowout scoreline, it took 17 minutes before Canberra Raiders back Isabella Waterman crossed for the first try and at halftime the score was 12-0.
Fiji piled on 22 points in the last 10 minutes.
Canada Ravens coach Matt Baron said the result probably didn't reflect how hard his team played.
"It was a massive testament to our team and a massive testament to how good Fiji are, so well done to their staff."
Nigeria won its first match outside Africa, defeating Ireland 10-0 in the earlier semifinal.
Bulikula coach Joe Dakuitoga said Nigeria's upset win was a warning to his team of what could happen in sudden-death matches.
Fiji will face Nigeria for a spot at the 2026 World Cup at 7:30am Fiji time on Sunday.
