The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are thrilled to announce the finalisation of the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad with the signings of Vani Buleki, Monica Tagoai, Simina Lokotui and Lahnayah Mahakitau-Monschau.
In a landmark announcement, the signing will see Buleki and Tagoai formally finalise the Club’s NRLW top 24 squad, while Lokotui and Mahakitau-Monschau will elevate from the Tarsha Gale Cup squad to development contract status.
Buleki, arriving via Super Rugby Women’s competition, made an unforgettable impact in her debut season with the Western Force following an impressive five years representing the Fiji Sevens side and a stand-out performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Billed as an exceptional athlete, Buleki adds plenty of speed and aerial ability as a dynamic option in the backline for the Bulldogs.
Tagoai, a New Zealand Black Ferns representative since the age of 18, has enjoyed a promising career trajectory in both the fifteen-a-side and sevens formats.
The 26-year-old has represented the Hurricanes Poua in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition, representing Wellington at provincial level as a damaging centre or winger. A proud New Zealander with Samona Heritage, Tagoai is currently pursuing a Bachelor of arts in Education, Samoan and Pacific Studies at Victoria University.
Mahakitau-Monschau, a Premiership-winner with the Lisa Fiaola Cup team of 2024, will join sister Shaquaylah and aunty Shaniece Monschau in the NRLW squad after starring in the Club’s Tarsha Gale Cup in 2025.
Lokotui, an outside back hailing from New Zealand, is one of the Club’s most recent additions, arriving to Australia in January. A member of the Club’s New Zealand Academy, Lokotui scored nine tries in her first season in the Club’s Tarsha Gale Cup campaign.
NRLW Head Coach Brayden Wiliame was thrilled to have his squad finalised ahead of pre-season kick-off on Monday, May 12.
“I’m very excited to see that our squad has been finalised and I’m looking forward to working with a team that I know can hit the ground running,” Wiliame said.
Vani and Monica have both shown their prowess in rugby union and I believe that they can seamlessly transition their skillset to Rugby League. They will add to competition for spots and complement our squad very well.
“Vani has shown a great ability to break through the line, is aggressive in defence and has shown a very high workrate and football IQ. Monica has shown how damaging she can be, and I believe her playing style will really suit transitioning to Rugby League.
“Introducing Lahnayah and Simina to the NRLW environment not only gives us options, but it will allow them to see what it takes to play at a first-grade level. They have done exceptionally well representing our Academy sides and I have no doubt that they will gain invaluable experience being in the development squad.”
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs inaugural NRLW squad will begin their pre-season training on Monday, May 12, before taking the field for their very first match on Friday July 4 against the Newcastle Knights in a double header at Accor Stadium with the NRL side.
