Fiji’s efforts to enter a men’s and women’s team in the 2026 NRL (National Rugby League) received a significant boost recently. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his support for Fiji’s bid in a letter to his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the need for Fiji to be granted an expansion license for participation in the NRL Premiership competitions.
In a statement to the media, Rabuka affirmed his commitment to advocating for Fiji’s inclusion in the NRL. He stressed that he will continue engaging with Australian officials about the importance of this initiative for both Fiji and the wider region. Rabuka, a Life Member of the Fiji National Rugby League, pointed out the benefits that such participation could bring to Fiji’s communities, corporate sector, and tourism industry.
This support follows a previous endorsement from the Fijian Cabinet in March, further solidifying the country’s ambitions in rugby league. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, announced tax incentives in the National Budget designed to attract sponsorships for the Fijian teams in the NRL.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, reiterated that Fiji has the necessary talent to compete effectively against Australian and New Zealand clubs in the NRL. He highlighted that many local players are already making their mark in the NRL, creating a pathway for emerging talent.
The potential success of Fiji’s NRL bid could lead to hosting 17 home games, in addition to pre-season matches and playoffs, which would have a substantial impact on sports tourism in the country, according to Viliame Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. Gavoka emphasized the immense significance for Fiji in gaining access to the Australian market, citing rugby league’s popularity there.
In a notable event this weekend, two players of Fijian descent—Sunia Turuva from the Penrith Panthers and Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm—will participate in the NRL Grand Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. These players are part of a long legacy of Fijian players who have competed in NRL Grand Finals over the years.