The NRL has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Pacific Championships, which will take place across four countries over four weekends in October and November.
In a first for the tournament, there will be a system of promotion and relegation, allowing the champions of the Men’s and Women’s Pacific Bowls to compete against the third-placed teams in the Pacific Cup for positions in the 2025 Pacific Cup pools.
Fiji will host matches for the first time, joining venues in Port Moresby, Brisbane, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney.
The 2024 Championships will feature a Men’s division that includes Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga in the Cup, while Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands will compete in the Bowl.
The Women’s tournament will expand to include both Cup and Bowl divisions, with the Bowl acting as a qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The opening event will be hosted at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on October 18 with a double-header, followed by matches in Fiji, Port Moresby, Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney, concluding with the finals at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on November 10.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy, emphasized Brisbane’s significance in hosting the opening round and its anticipated economic benefits.
The event receives support from the NSW Government through 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.