Fiji's NRL Bid
“There is no bidding process, but the FNRL is keen in putting in a case of interest with government,” he said.
Thursday 29 February 2024 | 01:40
Fiji’s Viliame Kikau is one of the highest paid forwards in the NRL. The two-time Premiership winner plays for Canterbury Bulldogs. Photo: Bulldogs
A paper on Fiji’s bid to be considered the 18th franchise club to play in Australia’s NRL (National Rugby League) competition in 2025 is to be considered by Government.
The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) who has 49 per cent in the venture, is taking its chance in expressing its interest in the bid.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.
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He said the interest expressed is going through the process with government.
“I was with a few NRL officials on Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka who said that the 18th member issue is a speculation,” Saukuru said.
The Melbourne Storm versus Newcastle Knights pre-season game last Saturday was the first official NRL match played in Fiji.
“There is no bidding process, but the FNRL is keen in putting in a case of interest with government,” he said.
“They (FNRL and its partners) have put in a submission, which is going through the Cabinet vetting process; it has gone through Finance and is now with the Office of the Solicitor-General. From there to the Cabinet sub-committee before it can be tabled at Cabinet.”
Photo: Pita Simpson
Cabinet is to sit on March 12.
Following the success and strong Fijian Drua fan base with Super Rugby Pacific, NRL is working on getting more spectators turning up on game day at the grounds.
However, the matter needs to be endorsed by Government, so Fiji can notify NRL on its intent to bid.
Getting a Fiji club to play in the NRL, is a boost to the country’s economy especially tourism as it will host 15 home matches and a pathway for local-based players who are believed to be paid in Australian dollars.
With NRL putting out the expansion New Zealand, North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Tigers queued with Papua New Guinea also joining.
The initiative saw Brisbane Tigers launching a AU$25 million (FJ$36.9m) bid to rival a Cairns-based Pasifika franchise as the race to become the NRL’s 18th team heated-up.
The Tigers is one of rugby league’s oldest clubs with a 106-year history had lodged their expression of interest with the NRL last May.
Fox Sports said NRL is keen on an 18th team in time for the next broadcast deal in 2027 and head office is even open to a 20-team competition by 2030.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys this week claims that NRL has overtaken the AFL as Australia’s most watched sport after announcing AU$58.1m (FJ$85.7m) surplus for the financial year.
The 2023 NRL total revenue reached a record high of AU$701.1m (FJ$1.03 billion), an increase of 18 per cent, while net assets have increased to $260m (FJ$383m).
The current NRL teams’ standing: 1. Penrith Panthers, 2. Brisbane Broncos, 3. Melbourne Storm, 4. New Zealand Warriors, 5. Newcastle Knights, 6. Cronulla Sharks, 7. Sydney Roosters, 8. Canberra Raiders, 9. South Sydney Rabbitohs, 10. Parramatta Eels, 11. North Queensland Cowboys, 12. Manly Sea Eagles, 13. Dolphins, 14. Gold Coast Titans, 15. Canterbury Bulldogs, 16. St George Illawarra Dragons, 17. Western Tigers.
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