Australian government funding is expected to support further growth in women's rugby league across Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.
The government is spending $250 million on the sport as part of a broader $600 million investment to establish the PNG Chiefs.
Fiji's Bulikula will make their Women's Rugby League World Cup debut against New Zealand in Newcastle on Sunday.
The team missed out on the 2021 tournament after the Rugby League International Federation selected Brazil and France instead.
In 2024, Samoa scored twice in the final 15 minutes of a Pacific Championship match, delaying Fiji's qualification hopes.
The Bulikula later secured their place by winning an intercontinental competition in Canada.
Grassroots programs have continued to develop in Fiji, bringing local players into the World Cup squad.
Fullback Cassie Staples says local talent, including her Cronulla teammates Leilani Ahsam and Nani Vakacavu, has helped lift the team's standing.
Staples said: "They're quite talented, and that's the benefit and the upside of exposing NRLW coaches to programs and Pacific nations."
She added: "It's really important to have access to resources, programs and all that type of stuff to grow the game back home."
Cronulla NRLW coach and Fiji assistant mentor Tony Herman credited former Bulikula coach Joe Dakuitoga with expanding the program.
Herman told AAP: "Dakuitoga works really hard in that space, getting rugby league into schools, getting them to travel to play,"
He also praised the pathways being built: "To build the programs and pathways back in Fiji and give those girls something to aspire to ... is awesome."