This is our time: McGregor in awe of Ferns firepower

There can be few more intimidating sights in women’s rugby league than forward Otesa Pule or outside back Mele Hufanga in full flight but Kiwis Ferns captain Raecene McGregor can breathe a sigh of relief. 

“It’s going to be pretty scary, I’m not going to lie, and I wouldn’t want to be on the opposition side,” the 2026 Dally M Halfback of the Year told NRL.com of her Ferns teammates. 

Add Broncos starting forwards Shannon Mato and Brianna Clark to the mix and the Fiji Bulikula are in for a stern test in their World Cup opener at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. 

McGregor is reprising the heights of 2022 when she also won Halfback of the Year and took out the Dally M Player of the Year. This year she also finished just two points shy of winner Tamika Upton (Broncos). 

“I definitely feel I’ve got that form back and it does come down to fitness that I’ve lacked in the last couple of years,” McGregor said. 

“But I knuckled down in the pre-season, it was brutal, but it has carried me through by maintaining that.  

“Obviously I love playing for the Wests Tigers but putting this Kiwi jersey is not only for myself but for my family. I carry a lot of people with me in this jersey – it’s special.” 

The 28-year-old has racked up 18 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns but Sunday will be her first against Fiji and pits her against Wests Tigers halves partner Losana Lutu. 

“It’s a little strange facing ‘Baki’ (Lutu) after working with her so closely all season but we need to shut the quality players like her down for us to get the win," she said.

Australia has won the last three World Cups with McGregor on the receiving end in the past two finals. She thinks it’s time for a change in the coloured ribbons around the Cup handles. 

“One hundred per cent I agree with that. I feel this is our time with a really strong side and really fit side – it’s a side that can keep up with the Jillaroos,” she said.

“It will be keeping the ball in play with minimal errors but I believe the fittest team will have the best chance of winning.”

First up is Fiji captained by Sharks speedster Cassie Staples and boasting NRLW experience through Talei Holmes, Maria Paseka, Taina Naividi, Isabella Waterman, Latisha Smythe and Lotu.

“We have lots of speed and a fair bit of experience but you’ll see a tough and gritty brand of footy with a fair bit of Fijian flair,” Staples said. 

Staples has scored five tries from her five Tests for Fiji (2023-25) and has seen the team progress over the past three years with the input from NRLW coaches, programs, staff and players. 

Sharks mentor Tony Herman, who took Cronulla to the 2024 grand final, is assistant coach to Fiji head coach Jone Wesele. 

“It’s the upside of exposing NRLW elements to programs with Pacific nations as it creates pathways for them to come through,” Staples said, citing Bulikula newcomers Leilani Ahsam and Nanise Vakacavu who were scouted by the Sharks, joining the club last season. 

“It’s really important to the Pacific to have access to resources the NRLW can provide so the game can grow in places like Fiji. 

“The exposure I get in reverse means I learn more and more of the culture and the Fiji way.” 

Staples is under no illusion as to the task ahead facing New Zealand on Sunday. 

“With limited time we spend together connection with community – making that bond as strong as possible off the field – can help tremendously with our game," she said.

“This jersey binds us all with our communities spread out over the Fijian islands. It is very powerful. 

“We won’t be reinventing the wheel but continuing with the program we’ve been building on the last couple of years.”