Teenager Naomi Tegu's World Cup selection reflects the Fiji Bulikula's efforts to develop pathways for girls in the Pacific nation, assistant coach Tony Herman said.
Fiji will make its first Women's Rugby League World Cup appearance against New Zealand in Newcastle next Sunday. The squad's first camp day is Sunday, and some players have spent time in Fiji.
Herman told AAP, "The goal was to make a World Cup, but obviously not stop there. (We want to help) build the programs and pathways back in Fiji to give those girls something to aspire to,"
He said cultural connections are central to the program, including visits to schools and villages. Herman said seeing children look up to the players was an "amazing moment" for the pioneers.
Prop Tegu played in last year's World Series, and Herman said the team was looking forward to seeing what she would do this year.
Fiji missed a direct World Cup place at the 2024 Pacific Championships, after Samoa scored twice in the final 15 minutes. The Bulikula then won 62-4 against Nigeria in an intercontinental tournament in Canada, securing the last available place among eight teams.
Herman said the Canada tournament brought the players together and helped them bond as part of something bigger.
He has no major expectations but believes Fiji can challenge for a top-two pool finish against France and Papua New Guinea.
The squad includes NRLW players Taina Navidi, Maria Paseka, Cassie Staples, Talei Holmes, Leilani Ahsam and Nanise Vakacavu.