Star Fiji halfback Losana Lutu declared that it felt like the Bulikula had been playing together for a long time after they fell just short of producing the greatest upset in Women’s Rugby League World Cup history.

The last team to qualify for RLWC26 after winning the IRL World Series in Canada 12 months ago, Fiji shocked the star-studded Kiwi Ferns to lead for much of their World Cup debut in Newcastle before going down 18-12.

Lutu, who scored Fiji’s first try near the posts in the 21st minute and set up their second six minutes later with a grubber kick for winger Sienna Laing, said the performance underscored the connection the players have developed.

“I think we’ve set the benchmark for how we want to play,” Lutu told NRL.com.

“I think a lot of people thought that the Kiwis would put more points on us but I thought our defence really showed that we wanted to protect our land and protect our home.

“A lot of us have experience and I think there was a connection that helped us defend.

“It looked like we’ve all been playing for a long time, and that just comes down to connection and culture.”

Former Fijian and Australian international Lote Tuqiri, who was at the game in a commentary role for RLWC26 host broadcaster Channel Seven, believed the Bulikula should have won.

“It was an amazing effort,” Tuqiri told NRL.com. “I didn’t even see that from them, to be honest. No-one did.

“And they probably should have won. It was a bit like the Kiwis and Kangaroos last Thursday night.

“That’s the benchmark now. I was really impressed by their scramble defence ... and their kicking game was spot-on too – a lot better than the Kiwis – and that was unexpected.

“I’m really happy for them, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they progress from here.”

The Bulikula now travel to Papua New Guinea to meet the Orchids on Saturday with a semi-final berth firmly in their sights.

The Orchids are coming off a 58-4 win against France - Fiji's opponents in a triple-header at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31 - while the Bulikula, despite their 18-12 loss felt like winners at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.

The wi

New Zealand have only lost four World Cup matches since 2000 and all were against the Jillaroos, including the 2013, 2017 and 2022 finals.

Fiji led the star-studded Kiwi Ferns 12-4 late in the first half and 12-10 early in the second but, despite their desperate defence and multiple scoring chances, conceded a penalty goal and a try in the final minutes to fall six points short.

Proud coach Jone Wesele said the Bulikula never felt intimidated against the Kiwi Ferns and, having set a standard in their first World Cup game, he expects a similar performance against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday.

“We are not disappointed at all,” Wesele said.

“It’s what the girls can achieve in these first outings, and it’s truly amazing to see how relentless they were, coming up against second in the world.

“That is a big statement, but they’ve made their mark today and we’ll work from that.

“It’s truly humbling to play against New Zealand sisters, and the girls brought it to their doorstep and we’ll keep building from there.

“We are not writing any team off because everyone is here to participate [and] not just to participate, but to make a statement ... and we are not here to make [up] numbers.

“For the other teams, we will respect them ... and we are taking this game as a benchmark for our performance, our next performance, and the ones that are to come.”

Fiji captain and dummy-half Sereana Naitokatoka had a chance to break a 12-12 deadlock in the 60th minute but missed a penalty goal from in front.

Rather than dwell on that setback, the diminutive Canberra Raiders dummy-half made amends moments later when she wrestled back possession in her second one-on-one strip of the game.

“We work hard for each other, that’s one thing that I know these girls have, no matter what opposite number that we’re going against,” Naitokatoka said.

“We’re not disappointed at all, we’re more like pumped and excited for our next game.

“Coming against New Zealand, second-best in the world, to lose only by one try is crazy.

“They could have been smashed by 30-plus but for us to turn up every single time and lose by one try, is amazing. We’re more excited and ready to go build up for our next game against PNG than disappointed.”

Naitokatoka said the Bulikula felt connected by their culture and spirituality and hoped they were inspiring girls and women of all ages, in Fiji and around the world.

“There’s a lot of girls back home that would have been watching today,” the Suva-born 25-year-old said.

“I know there’s a lot of flags out in the streets right now in Fiji; everybody in the villages. I know my people, we have to go up into the mountains to watch games to get service.

“We played today for all the young girls back home, even in Australia, all around the world, and also for our sisters and our elderlies.”