The Fiji Bulikula are on the precipice of playing their first Women's Rugby League World Cup game, but they say there's more on the line than a slice of sporting history.

Ahead of the team's first day in camp on Sunday, Fiji women's assistant coach Tony Herman revealed that members of the squad have spent some time in the Pacific nation.

It comes as the side prepare for their historic clash against New Zealand in Newcastle next Sunday.

"The goal was to make a World Cup, but obviously not stop there. (We want to help) build the programs and pathways back in Fiji to give those girls something to aspire to," Herman told AAP.

"A really important part of our program is the cultural side of it, so it's important for the girls to get back there and visit schools and villages.

"To see the kids gravitate towards the girls as rugby league players and role models is awesome to watch. It's just an amazing moment for these girls ... They've been pioneers."

Some of the pathway building has already paid off for the national team, with local teenager Naomi Tegu receiving a World Cup call-up.

"Tegu played enormously last year in the World Series, and we're really looking forward to seeing what she'll do this year," Herman said of the prop.

"Particularly when we're in Fiji, we get a lot of the younger girls into camp, and they really help a lot with the girls culturally as well."

It wasn't an easy journey to the Bulikula's first Women's World Cup as they had to go through an intercontinental competition to snag the last remaining spot.

It came after they lost out on a direct World Cup berth through the Pacific Championships in 2024 when Samoa scored two tries in the last 15 minutes to dent their dreams.

But a rousing 62-4 victory over Nigeria last year earned Fiji a place as one of the eight teams in the global showpiece event.

"It was obviously the harder way to get in, but going to Canada for that tournament really brought the girls together," Herman said.

"The connection they showed, the girls just bonding together, being part of something bigger than just themselves, was so great to watch."

The coach insists he has no major expectations on the side, but believes they can push for a top two finish in their pool, which also includes France and Papua New Guinea.

Fiji will be buoyed by a host of NRLW talent, including Sydney Roosters star Taina Navidi, St George Illawarra winger Maria Paseka and Cronulla's Cassie Staples, Talei Holmes, Leilani Ahsam and Nanise Vakacavu.

Australian Associated Press