'Editorial': Super Rugby success should boost our growth in rugby league

The crowd support during the pre-season match between Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights at Lautoka’s Churchill Park last Saturday, should indicate that we’ve got what it takes to be actively involved in the sport.

Apart from being a rugby crazy nation that has taken the HSBC SVNS Series and the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific by storm, the same can happen for rugby league too.

The Fiji Bati (national rugby league team) has made the Rugby League World Cup semifinal three times, a feat that cannot be matched by the Flying Fijians (national rugby union team).

Over the years, we’ve our very own players like Noa Nadruku, Lote Tuqiri, Petero Civoniceva, Wes Naiqama, Sisa Waqa, Akuila Uate, Kevin Naiqama, Api Koroisau, Semi Radradra, Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Marika Koroibete, Suliasi Vunivalu, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sunia Turuva, Maika Sivo and the list goes on who have taken the NRL (National Rugby League) by storm. These players have become household names in Australia.

Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan dives over to score the first of his two tries despite a tackle attempt from Isikeli Rabitu today. Photo: Newshub

However, that is not the end of the road for us.

Internationally, we’ve got a much better record at the RLWC compared to PNG and also we’ve a higher number of players playing in the NRL.

But moreover, Fiji has proven itself by hosting six to seven Super Rugby Pacific matches in a year, with bigger crowds compared to New Zealand and Australia.

So, let’s not hold back but for Government to endorse its support for our bid to become the 18th NRL team in the 2025 competition.

Yes, it’s time to go for it.

Feedback: leone@fijisun.com.fj