LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Fiji's World Cup quest a family affair for debutant Marshall

The Fiji Bulikula are set to begin their journey towards the Rugby League World Cup by facing off against the Canada Ravens, turning adversaries from the grand final into teammates.

Tahlia Marshall, the fullback for the Brisbane Tigers BMD Premiership champions, will make her debut for Fiji. She joins the team after an impressive performance in the grand final, where she scored two tries, helping her team secure their first title with a 22-6 victory over the Burleigh Bears at Kayo Stadium last month.

The Fiji squad also includes sisters Teaghan Hartigan, Ebony Laing, and Sienna Laing. Teaghan, who captained the Burleigh team in the grand final, played as dummy-half, while Ebony made significant contributions from the bench.

The Laing sisters are the daughters of Aseri Laing, a former Fiji Bati international who transitioned from New Zealand to Australia to play for teams like the Western Suburbs Magpies (1993-1998) and Melbourne Storm (1999), becoming a well-known figure among the Bears' supporters.

On the Canadian side, a formidable squad features Las Vegas Combine winner Megan Pakulis, recognized as the first North American to compete in the NRLW after her debut for the Gold Coast Titans this season. Additionally, prop Chantelle Crowl brings valuable experience, having played in this season's Super League grand final with St Helens.