Minutes before a Rugby League World Cup semi-final, most teams would be focused on the 80 minutes of hard-fought action ahead. Fiji's women, however, took time to sing a hymn and pray to God.

The Rugby League World Cup has seen Pacific nations proudly confess their faith in Jesus Christ – and the Fiji Buli Kula's rendition of the 'Noqu Masu' hymn is the latest moment of witness.  

While many people will be familiar with the famous haka performed by New Zealand's rugby teams, pre-match rituals and traditional dances are also commonplace among Pacific nations.

Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands have also performed traditional dances during the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, hosted across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

But while some teams use their pre-match performances to build intensity and rally their players, Fiji's women turned to God for strength.

The Noqu Masu - "this is our prayer" - is a call to God.  

Translated into English, the hymn reads: "This is my prayer, I pray because I need you. I want to sing the name of the Lord. 

"O Lord, please help me as I search for the desire of my heart. To You I cry.  

"Hallelujah, hallelujah, come and sing hallelujah, come and sing hallelujah, hallelujah to Him." 

Below is a video of the Fiji Bulikula singing Noqu Masu:

Samoan men's captain Junior Paulo also showed that the diary of a professional sportsperson during the World Cup doesn't break the routine of Sunday worship. 

Paulo was spotted going to Mass on Sunday ahead of a crucial fixture against Tonga.  

And after defeating France 78-4 in their opening tie of the World Cup, Benaiah Ioelu led a prayer.