FNRL to expand player base

The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) will look to expand their player base with local and international representatives for the Fiji Bati elite squad next year.

This is after the sporting body faced the difficulty of securing the services of a few Fijian NRL (National rugby league) players to feature for the Bati team during the Pacific Bowl championship in Papua New Guinea in October last year.

FNRL chairman Akuila Masi said it was one beyond their control.

“The availability of the NRL players to join Bati during pacific championship was a challenge but we are grateful that some have confirmed their availability for the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC),” Masi said.

“We have plans in place to prepare both the Fiji Bati and Bulikula teams for the RLWC.”

Masi indicated the plans for FNRL this year includes the continuation for the grassroots programme, Fiji secondary school rugby league and Vodafone Cup competition.

“We are also working closely with NRL on the FNRL five to 10 years’ development plan,” he added.

Meanwhile, the RLWC will see 10 teams will contest the men’s tournament and eight in the women’s event which take place in Australia and Papua New Guinea in October and November.

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