Young players key to ARLC’s long-term Fiji plans

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes that support young people in rugby league over the long term.

ARLC Commissioner Peter Beattie’s told SUNsports yesterday that their programmes extend to schools and competitions.

Beattie is part of the ARLC delegation that arrived in Fiji yesterday. Accompanying him is National Rugby League (NRL) manager – Pacific Strategy Anthony Trimarchi.

They are in the country for Fiji’s signing of the Pacific Rugby League Partnership today by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

“We want to make sure that the game is encouraged here with competitions and schools, supporting both men and women to grow the game here,” Beattie said.

“We want to ensure that young people are playing sport, as sport is more important than some argument between rugby league and rugby union.”

Beattie said it was important that Fiji had strong domestic competition.

“We’ll listen to the community on how to do that, and the Australian government has some programmes which we’ll work with the local community, federation and Fiji Government to deliver them here in Fiji,” he said.

The initiative, backed by the Australian government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), valued at about AU$250 million (FJ$390.13million).

“The signing is important because it’s us saying that we’ll work with the Fiji government and federations to get an outcome that benefits young people,” Beattie said.

“It’s not about NRL, this is about young people reaching their full potential.”

Beattie added that development programmes in schools were an important aspect of their work.

“If you’re involved in sport, then you’re healthier as you’re doing some physical activity and that’s what we need to do,” he said.

“Rugby League is not just the sport. It’s about making sure that children involved in sports are happy and healthy.”