Rugby League 9s

But on Monday in Samoa they made history on opposite teams, each captaining their country of heritage in the first ever women’s rugby league 9s competition at the Pacific Games.

Feterika led Samoa onto the field for the opening game of the tournament, hand-in-hand with Nati, who captained the Cook Islands.

It was an extraordinary moment for both women, the most experienced female players in the event alongside New Zealand teammate Luisa Gago, who is also representing Samoa. The other teams in the women’s competition are Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Papua New Guinea won gold in the inaugural Championship in 2014, which was run as an exhibition event alongside the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Hunters player Stanton Albert was named player of the tournament as PNG went through unbeaten, defeating Australia 22-8 in the final.

The age restriction for the 2018 Championship has been increased from Under 19s to Under 23s.

Hosts Australia, defending champions PNG England and South Africa are confirmed entrants, with 8-12 expected to participate when the Championship in held in Brisbane in February.