NSW Waratahs Women’s powerhouses, Faliki Pohiva and Seneti Kilisimasi, are poised to make their mark against the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final at North Sydney Oval this Saturday afternoon.
Both props shared insights today about their journeys and bond, and the excitement of competing on the biggest stage of the Super Rugby Women’s years, highlighting the determination and pride fuelling their Grand Final hopes.
For Pohiva, that journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Reflecting on her development throughout the season, she spoke about the pride she feels in her growth.
"It feels amazing. I didn’t realise how much I’d been growing from the start of pre-season until now," Pohiva said.
"I’m just loving it — the growth, the challenge — and I’m really grateful to the girls and coaching staff for helping me get here."
Pohiva’s return to rugby after taking time out from the game to have a baby is a story of passion and perseverance.
Playing club rugby for the Manly Mermaids reignited her love for rugby.
"It was the environment at club footy that brought me back — being surrounded by supporters and family," she explained.
"When the opportunity came to join the Waratahs, Seneti and I made the decision together, and it’s been so much fun.
“Being part of this team has made the transition easy and really enjoyable."
Pohiva was also tasked with stepping into the shoes of Wallaroos stalwart Eva Karpani, a challenge she admits initially felt daunting.
"I was really nervous when Mike [coach Mike Ruthven] asked me to fill that role," she said.
"In my eyes, Eva’s the best in Australia, so there was a lot of pressure.
“But once I started getting into that role, I made it my own.
“The team — especially Adiana [Talakai] and Bridie [O’Gorman] in the front row — have been backing me every step of the way, and that support has made all the difference."
Pohiva’s impressive form has many tipping her for higher honours, with a potential Wallaroos call-up now firmly in sight.
"It’s overwhelming but exciting. Making the Australian side has been a dream since I started playing rugby," Pohiva said.
"Now that it’s becoming a reality, it’s even more special. I’m just focusing on playing my best footy and enjoying every moment."
Kilisimasi's story is also inspiring, and one shaped through international rugby, by her representing Tonga in the 2023 Oceania Women's Combine.
"Playing for Tonga opened so many doors for me," she said.
"That experience helped me build the skills and mindset I needed to take the next step."
Kilisimasi was then one of six to receive a scholarship with the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports program in partnership with Rugby Australia.
This provided Kilisimasi valuable high-performance experience and led her to join the Western Force in 2024, after which she moved to the NSW Waratahs.
"Last year I didn’t cap with the Force, but I learned so much about the high-performance environment," Kilisimasi said.
"Coming into the Waratahs this year and finally getting to cap has been really meaningful — it feels like all the hard work is paying off."
On Tuesday, Kilisimasi also spoke about her mindset when coming off the bench and the importance of making an impact in the final stages of games.
"When you come off the bench, you’ve got a platform set by the starters," she said.
"It’s about bringing energy, keeping that momentum going, and making sure there’s no drop in intensity until the final whistle."
The rivalry between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds is one of the fiercest in Australian rugby, and both players are embracing that challenge.
"There’s always been a big rivalry between Reds and Waratahs," Kilisimasi said.
"We’ve got a reputation to uphold, and we want to bring that cup home."
Pohiva agreed: "At the end of the day, they’re just another team we have to beat.
“But being part of the New South Wales jersey, there’s that extra pride when facing Queensland.
"It’s like the rugby union version of State of Origin — you feel that extra fire."
The chance to experience the moment alongside each other has made the journey even more meaningful for the NSW Waratahs pair.
"It means a lot to be doing this alongside [Falika]," Kilisimasi said.
"We started with Randwick Magic, and to now be here, playing for the Waratahs together in a Grand Final — it’s pretty special.
“We’re building together, supporting each other, and growing both on and off the field."
For tickets to the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's Grand Final click Ticketek
The game will be televised Live on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
