Fiji is firming to observe in America’s footsteps and turn out to be the following nation to host a aggressive NRL sport, with Melbourne eager to play a regular-season match in Suva from as early as subsequent yr.
Recent off their pre-season trial in Lautoka a fortnight in the past, the Storm are set to start talks with potential rivals about making Fiji the fourth nation to host a contest match after Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
“Every part is now effectively and really in place to allow the sport to host a premiership match in Fiji and we would like to be part of it,” Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski mentioned.
“We’ll be speaking to the NRL and to potential different golf equipment to be concerned in that. We’ll be doing that over the following couple of months.
“We noticed firsthand the affect it had on the group, the engagement from the group, attendance on the sport, the love of rugby league.
“Clearly, rugby union remains to be the primary sport in Fiji, however rugby league’s rising.
“From us being there and having a presence, I believe that is simply the beginning of one thing fairly particular for what may very well be a long-term play for the NRL within the Pacific.”
Final month’s trial in Fiji was pushed again barely because of searing warmth, with situations effectively within the black zone within the lead as much as kick off.
However any regular-season match will possible be performed in July’s cooler situations, with one proposal being earlier than State of Origin III to offer each groups a bye the next week.
Rodski was in Las Vegas for the NRL’s historic double-header that drew in 40,706 followers, and mentioned his membership wished to assist lead the sport’s enlargement.
“I am unable to see any motive why it will not be a hit,” Rodski mentioned.
“It is a fan base of rugby and rugby league supporters which are able to be mobilised and that may solely be factor for our sport.
“It is solely going to proceed to help extra pathways for younger Fijians and different Pacific Island children enjoying the sport of rugby league.
“Greater than 50 per cent of the competitors are from Pacific Island nations. So we would be foolish to not proceed to put money into going to these areas.”
Rodski’s proposal would have the backing of the NRL, whereas the league additionally work with the Australian Authorities on Pacific methods.
“A technique for progress within the Pacific is actually vital to us,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo mentioned.
“So excited about rising the sport in Fiji, why would not we wish to take into account taking a match there?
“That’s one thing we will certainly work with the golf equipment on and our broadcast companions and look to see how we are able to proceed to develop the sport.
“You have to take premiership matches to your markets if you wish to win your followers.”
Fiji legend Petero Civoniceva additionally believes the time is correct for the sport, with the Fiji Silktails additionally coming into the NSW Rugby League Jersey Flegg (U21s) competitors this yr.
“That might be superb,” Civoniceva mentioned.
“Hats off to the Storm and what they pulled off there in taking that match with the Knights to Fiji.”
AAP’s journalist travelled to Las Vegas courtesy of the NRL.
