LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have finalized their inaugural NRLW squad with the signings of Vani Buleki, Monica Tagoai, Simina Lokotui, and Lahnayah Mahakitau-Monschau.
Buleki and Tagoai complete the Bulldogs' NRLW top 24 squad, while Lokotui and Mahakitau-Monschau transition from the Tarsha Gale Cup to development contracts.
Buleki has previously made a significant impact in the Super Rugby Women's competition and garnered attention during her time with the Fiji Sevens team, highlighted by her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
She is recognized as "an exceptional athlete" who brings speed and aerial prowess as a backline option for the Bulldogs.
Tagoai, a representative of the New Zealand Black Ferns since the age of 18, has built a successful career in both fifteens and sevens formats.
At 26, she has played for the Hurricanes Poua in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition and has represented Wellington at the provincial level as a "damaging centre or winger." Tagoai is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Samoan, and Pacific Studies at Victoria University, showcasing her commitment to her heritage and education.