The NRL has revealed the schedule for the 2024 Pacific Championships, set to take place in four countries over four weekends in October and November.
In a notable first, the tournament will introduce a promotion and relegation system, allowing the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Pacific Bowls to challenge the third-placed teams from the Pacific Cup for a place in the 2025 Pacific Cup pools.
Fiji will serve as a host country for matches for the first time, joining Port Moresby, Brisbane, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney as venues.
The 2024 Championships will feature a Men’s division that includes Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga in the Cup, alongside Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands in the Bowl.
The Women’s tournament will expand to feature both Cup and Bowl divisions, with the Bowl acting as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The event will kick off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on October 18 with a double-header, followed by matches in Fiji, Port Moresby, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney, culminating in the finals at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on November 10.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy emphasized Brisbane’s significant role in hosting the opening round and the anticipated economic benefits.
The event has the backing of the NSW Government’s Destination NSW and the Australian Government via PacificAus Sports.
Tickets are available, starting at $25 for adults and $50 for families, with early access for NRL Club Members.