The Vodafone Fiji Bulikula’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Cup took a hit after a narrow 16-12 defeat to Fetu Samoa in the Pacific Women’s Rugby League Bowl Championship final. This loss means the Bulikula now face promotion-relegation matches to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Fetu Samoa, with this victory, has not only secured their place in the 2025 World Cup but also earned promotion to the Cup Championship next year. Samoa took an early lead with an unconverted try, but the Bulikula bounced back with converted tries from Sienna Laing and Abigayle Sekitoga, leading 12-4 at halftime.

However, two second-half tries from Samoa’s Annetta Nu’uausala sealed the comeback and the win for Fetu Samoa, dashing the Bulikula’s direct qualification hopes.