Teenage Titan Fanua Rimoni may think she has “no reputation” behind her, but expect that all to change if she keeps on putting in performances like the one she produced against Brisbane.
Having just turned 19 last month, the powerful prop topped the run metres for the game with 189 from 16 carries, with 82 of them being post-contact as the Gold Coast claimed a 28-20 derby win.
Starting out primarily playing rugby union while in New Zealand, Rimoni found a love for league playing with Wellington Orcas and at various Māori rugby league tournaments before moving to Brisbane to play with the Norths Devils Under 19 side last year.
Progressing to the BMD Premiership later in the 2025, it has been a rapid rise for Rimoni who was promoted from a development deal to the top 24 earlier this year, becoming one of six players to debut with the Titans this year.
Since making an unexpected debut in Round 2, the Wellington-born talent hasn’t looked out of place in the top grade, despite stepping into the boots left by injured Jillaroos forward Jess Elliston, who suffered a season-ending MCL injury in Round 1.
“I definitely didn't expect (to debut in the NRLW this year), especially that early in the season, and to be starting as well, was a shock to me,” Rimoni said.
“But the girls have been so welcoming and Jess, I just pick her brain as much as I can and she's so helpful and so welcoming for me as well.
“I really enjoy (playing NRLW), I think especially being at this club, I think the culture's so good, a lot of the girls talk about it, but I think it's real.
“The culture is so strong and the girls make it easier, the coaches make it easier for me to transition into a starting forward in this space.”
Now firmly established in the starting pack, Rimoni has played her part in helping the team achieve a club record seven NRLW wins in a row, but wasn’t getting too far ahead of herself knowing the challenge ahead against the Raiders.
Like the Titans, Canberra are a team on the up and looking to lock in a maiden finals berth, with a forward pack featuring revered workhorse Simaima Taufa, Queensland prop Sophie Holyman and England representative Hollie-Mae Dodd.
“I think just having this little bit of history with us is lifting us a lot more, I think,” Rimoni said of the task ahead.
“We're not getting complacent every week, which is good, and every week we're just getting hungrier and wanting to get it even more.
“I think I'm just more so just still trying to find my feet.
“Obviously (I look up to) Georgia Hale, Jess Elliston, they the big names in the NRLW, especially the middles, I look up to them and look up to their leadership and obviously their playing style.
“For me, I've got really no reputation behind me, so I like being the underdog and trying to just put my best foot forward for the team, for the girls.
“I don't really mind who we're facing, I think we go hard every week.”
Match: Titans v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Titans
2nd Position
away Team
Raiders
4th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
