Fiji’s aspiration to establish a team in the National Rugby League (NRL) remains actively pursued, according to Jese Saukuru, the Minister for Youth and Sports. He emphasized that the government is providing substantial support to the organization leading the proposal.
“The NRL bid is still in progress,” Saukuru stated, noting the government’s commitment to rugby league. Supportive letters from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the government are part of the effort to bolster the bid’s chances.
In contrast to Papua New Guinea, which recently secured a license for an NRL team in 2028, Fiji has not sought financial assistance from Australia at this stage. The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, convened in Sydney last week to finalize their agreement.
Additionally, there is currently no update regarding the commission of inquiry into Ubayd Haider’s death, with Saukuru indicating that the last information received pointed to interviews being conducted with six individuals overseas, including promoter Freddy Chand. A new update is anticipated this week from the commission’s chairperson, Edwin Wainiqolo.
This ongoing pursuit of an NRL team signifies Fiji’s dedication to enhancing its presence in the international rugby league scene, promising exciting prospects for the country’s athletes and fans alike. As developments unfold regarding the inquiry and the NRL bid, there is hope that this effort could lead to greater recognition and participation in the sport at high levels.
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