Australia to Face Fiji in World Cup Semi-Final
Sydney Roosters teammates Tarryn Aiken and Taina Naividi will meet on opposite sides in the Women's Rugby League World Cup.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Australia is set to face Fiji in the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-final, a match that pits former Sydney Roosters teammates Tarryn Aiken and Taina Naividi against each other. Fiji reached the semi-final in its tournament debut after defeating New Zealand.
Why it matters
The match brings together two players who shared club success and rehabilitated ACL injuries side by side, now competing for a place in the World Cup final. It also marks a notable achievement for Fiji, which reached the semi-final in its first World Cup appearance.
The fixture is a World Cup semi-final, with Australia and Fiji meeting after Fiji's debut run that included a win over New Zealand. Specific match logistics such as kick-off time and venue were not included in the source material.
The players
Tarryn Aiken
Aiken is an Australian rugby league player and former Sydney Roosters teammate of Taina Naividi who was recruited to the Jillaroos as an already dominant NRLW player.
Taina Naividi
Naividi is a Fijian rugby league player who led Fiji to a World Cup semi-final in the team's tournament debut after being recruited to the Sydney Roosters by coach John Strange.
Jess Skinner
Skinner is the Australian women's rugby league coach leading the Jillaroos into the World Cup semi-final against Fiji.
The details
Skinner, the Australian coach, has said she expects the match to be incredibly challenging and that Australia will raise its level in preparation this week. Naividi was recruited to the Roosters by coach John Strange after he found her in the last week of pre-season a few years ago.
Timeline
A year ago: Aiken and Naividi tore their ACLs, and the Sydney Roosters lost their first match of the season in the NRLW grand final.
This season: Aiken and Naividi shared club success with the Roosters.
This week: Australia prepares for the semi-final against Fiji.
Season Trajectory
Fiji's semi-final appearance in its World Cup debut positions it among the competition's leading nations at the knockout stage. The match also underscores the growing number of players moving between club and international rugby league pathways.
Fans following the tournament can track the semi-final between Australia and Fiji as it approaches. Viewers interested in the matchup can follow the Aiken and Naividi storyline across the two teams.
The takeaway
Rivalries built inside a single club can become the defining storylines of international tournaments. Tracking player pathways across club and country offers a clearer view of how the sport's top competitors develop.
Further reading
For more on the region's sporting destinations, explore Australia and New Zealand travel guides.
