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2026 Melbourne Cup sweepstake kitAiken to face Chooks rehab buddy Naividi in Cup semi
Annabelle Banfield, AAP •  November 2nd, 2026 2:53 pm
Tarryn Aiken will be up against a familiar face when Australia meet Fiji in the World Cup semi | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
A year ago, Tarryn Aiken was alongside her Sydney Roosters teammate Taina Naividi, both nursing a torn ACL and watching on helplessly as their side were handed a heartbreaking first loss of the season in the NRLW grand final.
Now, after the two rehab buddies shared the ultimate success in club land this season, they will face off when Australia take on Fiji for a spot in the Women's Rugby League World Cup final.
"We've got a good relationship, we've been through it together with the knees," Aiken said of Naividi.
The Sydney Roosters beat the Broncos to claim this year's NRLW premiership | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"Towards the back end of our rehabs when we were both on the field together, it was obviously really good just bouncing off each other.
"One of us is down, (we) pick each other up, so it was really good to have her there."
Superstar half Aiken was recruited to the Tri-colours as an already dominant NRLW player, whereas Naividi was an unknown talent when coach John Strange plucked her out for the Roosters.
"Strangey sort of found her out of nowhere, she wasn't signed anywhere," Aiken said.
Fiji star Taina Naividi has had a real impact with the Roosters | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"She came in the last week of pre-season a few years ago and she's just killed it ever since."
Aiken is particularly impressed with how Naividi has shone in a Fijian jersey, leading the island nation to a World Cup semi-final in their tournament debut.
"It's just so good to see her back on the world stage," the Australian halfback said.
"It's been great to watch her carve up for Fiji. I know how much it means to her to play in that jersey."
Fiji's Taina Naividi tackles PNG's Elsie Albert in their World Cup clash in Port Moresby | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
However, the Jillaroos will be eager to slow the roll of the Fiji Bulikula as they fight for a place in the World Cup decider.
Coach Jess Skinner believes it will be incredibly challenging to face off against a side carrying so much belief and an underdog mentality.
"They're going to be tough," she said.
"They've had an outstanding campaign, and what they did to the Kiwis put the rest of the competition on notice.
"They're dangerous, they play expansive, quick footy.
"We'll go to another level this week, do our due diligence to make sure that we're prepared best on both sides of the ball for them.'
